President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Tuesday night said the responsibility of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has grown following the demarcation of the southern border.
Speaking at the event to mark the 131st anniversary of the armed forces, Solih said the National Coast Guard has to take on more responsibilities that are related to the security and economy.
"Following the demarcation of the Maldives' southern waters, the Coast Guard's responsibility has grown tremendously," the president said.
He announced that efforts were underway to acquire unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) drones to assist and strengthen those responsibilities.
Solih also called on the armed forces to protect the nation's unity and refrain from any actions that could disrupt it.
He stated that the only way to ensure the Maldives' continued independence and sovereignty is to safeguard and promote regional and international security.
At the ceremony on Tuesday night, the President presented medals to four retired generals and other servicemen and servicewomen who had distinguished themselves in service to the armed forces.
The military, in its present form, was instituted on April 21, 1892, during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Nooraddin.
