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00:00to you, Honorable Minister, and the Government of India
00:03for the warm hospitality and the meticulous arrangements
00:07made for this visit.
00:09Our gathering today highlights a historically strong and enduring
00:14relationship between the Maldives and India,
00:17a bond rooted in mutual respect, trust, shared values.
00:23Over the years, this partnership has not only
00:26withstood the test of time, but also has evolved and flourished,
00:32paving the way for greater collaboration
00:34in addressing challenges and seizing opportunities
00:38for growth.
00:40Our close geographic proximity, historical ties,
00:44cultural connections, and reliance on the Indian Ocean
00:48for our prosperity and security further
00:51underscore the strength of this enduring partnership.
00:55I take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude
01:00to the Indian Government for its invaluable contributions
01:04to the Maldives National Defense Force.
01:07Following the tragic events of November 3, 1988,
01:11India's swift and decisive support
01:14helped us preserve our nation's sovereignty
01:18during the time of crisis.
01:20Moreover, India's significant role
01:23in transforming the MNDF from a ceremonial force
01:27into a fully-fledged military force
01:30is a testament to the strength of our partnership.
01:33The support provided during the year that followed,
01:36particularly in training MNDF personnel within the Maldives,
01:41remains a cornerstone of our defense history
01:44and is deeply appreciated by the Maldivian people.
01:49This partnership extends to all facets of life.
01:53India was the first to assist the Maldives
01:55during the Boksin Deh tsunami of 2004,
01:59the 2014 water crisis of Malé,
02:02and recently during the COVID-19 pandemic.
02:06Moreover, it is worth emphasizing
02:08that India has continued to stand
02:11as the highest contributor to the development
02:14of our armed force.
02:15This assistance ranges from training
02:18of equipment to military hardware.
02:21These efforts are not only commendable,
02:24but also reflect the enduring spirit
02:26of enhancing the security of both our nations.
02:30So before concluding, I would want to again extend
02:34my heartfelt gratitude of the government
02:37and the people of the Maldives
02:39to the government of India, the Indian Armed Forces,
02:43and the people of India for their unwavering support
02:46and invaluable contribution
02:49to empower the Maldives National Defense Force.
02:52Your contributions, both past and present,
02:55have been instrumental in shaping our defense capabilities
02:59and ensuring the safety and security of our nation.
03:03We look forward to continuing this cooperation,
03:06further solidifying the foundation
03:08for a peaceful and secure future.
03:11As we embark on the 60th anniversary
03:14of establishing diplomatic relations
03:17between both our nations,
03:19I wish to pray for a prosperous and successful year ahead.