The stability, peace and order that prevailed in the country is the main progress made under his administration, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Saturday.
In his address on the occasion of the 55th Republic Day, Solih said the streets of Male' were kept peaceful during the past five years through significant effort.
"We were forced to do difficult and hard work against criminal groups and the drug trade. The role played by the police and military in this work is big," he said in the last address in his capacity as the President.
President-Elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is due to assume office next Friday.
In his address, Solih, who assumed office on November 17, 2018, said it was essential for the nation that the judiciary, police, military and independent institutions be free from political influence and that he provided the space to function without undue influence.
In discharging the duties of the office, the President said he prioritized establishing social justice with equality and reducing the longstanding disparity between islands.
"I prioritized the rights that the government has to ensure to every citizen on every island with equal services and complete facilities. The government made use of every opportunity for serving the people individually. In fulfilling my duty, I tried to provide good governance for all citizens with justice and compassion," he said.
The President's gratitude to all
The President thanked all who provided cooperation and assistance during the five years of his term.
"I express my sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Maldivian Democratic Party, to which I belong, parliamentary group and ordinary members," he said.
Solih also said that he values the leadership of coalition partners and the members of their parties, noting the work of all officials who worked in the cabinet, government and government-owned companies.
After thanking the police and military for the important national duty they performed, the President also noted the work of journalists and thanked the media.
"In my view, one partner in all the successes achieved by the government is the beloved Maldivian people. I thank all the citizens of the Maldives for that from the bottom of my heart," he said.
Taking note of the prevailing stability, peace and order, Solih said in his address that it was the responsibility of all successive governments to maintain and consolidate the achievement.
Airport projects
Solih also noted the ongoing Male' airport expansion project among his administration's successes.
"When we assumed office, only the foundation was laid for the Velana International Airport's new terminal. We made necessary changes to the design in order to provide a full service. We secured the funds needed to carry the project forward. With the changes that were made, the real appearance of that pleasant terminal nearing completion can be seen from the Hulhule coast," he said.
Upon completion, the new passenger terminal would be among the best in the region, he added.
The remarks came after the President-Elect's Office said that USD 80 million needed to complete the project was secured during Muizzu's recent visit to Abu Dhabi, a claim that the outgoing government's Finance Ministry denied.
Solih also noted ongoing airport development projects in the northernmost and southernmost atolls.
According to the government, the three airport projects together would revolutionize the economy with exponential growth in tourist arrivals.
"Work on the new international airport in Hanimaadhoo is going ahead swiftly. The project of further developing the Gan International Airport, the main hub of Addu's economic development, is going ahead. Along with that, land needed for Addu's future has been added during this term. Three islands have been added in order to provide additional economic opportunities for Addu," Solih said.
