President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the Maldives has decided to open an embassy in Italy.

Speaking at the official Republic Day ceremony last night, the President said that the Italian government has granted permission for the Maldives to open an embassy in Italy following a proposal from the Maldivian government.

The President stated that additional embassies and high commissions will be opened in some important and necessary countries for the Maldives.

“We have now received permission to open an embassy in Italy this coming year. We proposed this because it’s important for our tourism. Similarly, we will open embassies and high commissions in places that are beneficial to our country and important for our businesses and other trades,” the President said.

While the Maldives has decided to open an embassy in Italy, the country has already opened an embassy in Turkey earlier this year.

Al-Hafiz Ahmed Nabih Abdul Qadir, who is representing the Maldives in the international Quran competition ‘Kuwait International Prize of the Holy Quran’, met with the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, today.

During this meeting, the Minister congratulated Nabih for the opportunity to represent the country and encouraged him to achieve great success in the competition.

Nabih is participating in the category of complete Quran memorization and recitation in this competition. In addition to Nabih, Dr. Shaheem also met with his guardian and wished them success.

Nabih’s mother and representatives from the National Center for the Holy Quran also participated in this meeting.

The Kuwait International Prize of the Holy Quran competition for this year is scheduled to be held from November 13 to 20.

“Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Ibrahim Thoriq, has stated that this government is rectifying issues neglected by previous administrations and implementing major reformative changes.

In a video interview posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the ministry, Thoriq said that the 52 weeks since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed the responsibilities of the presidency have been a period of significant positive changes for the country’s development and the lives of ordinary citizens.

“The government is rectifying various issues that have been neglected in the Maldives over the past years and implementing major reformative changes,” Thoriq said.

Thoriq stated that the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has also accomplished numerous tasks and achieved many successes over the past 52 weeks under the President’s guidance.

The Minister also expressed gratitude to the staff for their efforts in achieving these successes and to other parties for their cooperation.

As President Muizzu’s government completes one year on the 17th of this month, it is worth noting that many achievements have been made and results have been delivered within this one-year period.

Dharumavantha Hospital, one of the largest buildings in the Maldives, is ready to open as a tertiary-level facility on the 16th of this month after renovations.

Speaking at the Republic Day ceremony held at the Dharubaaruge last night, the President said that Dharumavantha Hospital is set to open on the 16th of this month, and that some parties had refused to use the facility, calling it a ‘cave’.

“On November 16th, we will transform Dharumavantha Hospital into a tertiary hospital. We will establish all necessary services there. A place that some people previously described as a ‘cave’, Dharumavantha Hospital, will be turned into a real hospital, equipped with all facilities as a tertiary hospital, and we will, God willing, open it on November 16th,” the President said.

“The President stated that Dharumavantha Hospital will open after establishing all services to a tertiary level. While Dharumavantha Hospital is set to open this month, the President said that the government is working on opening Hulhumale’ Hospital with tertiary-level services as well.

Dharumavantha Hospital’s services began to be utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it has not been officially opened yet.

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to participate in the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

Upon his arrival at King Khalid International Airport, the President was warmly welcomed by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz

During the summit, the President will join leaders from across the Islamic world to address critical issues, including the ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestinian territories and Lebanon. This summit follows the joint Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023, and aims to reinforce collective efforts toward peace and stability in the region.

The President is scheduled to address the Summit this afternoon.

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has departed on an official visit to Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, to participate in the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation, President Dr Muizzu will join leaders from Islamic world, to discuss the ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestinian territories and Lebanon. This summit builds on the joint Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023.

The President has consistently advocated for the rights of Palestinians, condemning Israel’s violations and denouncing attacks on Palestinian and recently on Lebanese territories. His firm stance on supporting peace and justice in the region underscores the Maldives’ unwavering commitment and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The President is scheduled to address the summit on Monday, November 11, 2024. The President accompanied by a high-level delegation has been provided the generous hospitality of the Royal Government of Saudi Arabia for this trip.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to good governance, emphasising its commitment to transparency and accountability for the benefit of the people. He made these remarks during his address at the official Republic Day ceremony at Dharubaaruge this evening.

The President highlighted the Government’s significant efforts to provide the public with information and promote transparency. He noted that approximately 840 questions had been submitted through the ‘Citizens Voice‘ portal, with only 22 remaining unanswered.

The President also stated that 90 per cent of Right to Information (RTI) cases have been addressed. He pointed out that the Government has held numerous press conferences with ministers and officials, fostering a level of transparency not seen in recent times. Additionally, he mentioned that daily updates on Government activities are now being shared via a new website, “Sarukaaru.”

Reflecting on the importance of accurate information, the President referenced his father’s book Dhaulathuge Verinnaai Masooliyath adhi Kiyaman Vumuge Mafhoom. He stressed that in a democratic system, even the most powerful individuals must be held accountable, just as journalists are. He concluded by emphasising that upholding honesty and integrity is essential for the nation’s best interests, particularly in an Islamic society.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the construction of the country’s first cancer hospital will commence in 2025.

In his address during the Republic Day ceremony at Dharubaaruge, the President highlighted that the cancer hospital would be a significant milestone in the nation’s healthcare sector. He emphasised that cancer treatment should not be an ancillary service within a general hospital but should instead be provided by a dedicated, comprehensive facility. While acknowledging that some had previously dismissed the need for such a hospital, he stressed its importance and assured that the project is progressing swiftly, with consultations with relevant partners already underway.

In addition to the cancer hospital, the President reaffirmed his commitment to developing a mental health hospital in Laamu and a specialised facility for women and children in Hulhumale’.

The President also outlined ongoing efforts to enhance the healthcare sector, including upgrades to Dharumavantha Hospital in Malé and Hulhumale’ Hospital, both of which are set to become tertiary-level institutions. These upgrades are expected to be completed by mid-November this year, enabling the hospitals to officially begin offering more advanced healthcare services.

Speaking of the transport sector, the President highlighted significant progress made over the past year. He confirmed that by 2025, RTL services will be available across all provinces. He also assured that the development of economically viable and sustainable airports will continue in the coming years.

Recognising the importance of robust transport systems in national development, the President noted efforts to strengthen the country’s road infrastructure. Acknowledging congestion in the capital, he pointed to various initiatives underway to address traffic issues. He further revealed that studies have begun on a project to modernise the roads in Malé and Villimalé, with work expected to commence soon.

The President stated that 2025 is set to be a year of progress in connecting islands through the construction of bridges, facilitating easier travel and economic integration across the nation.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has emphasised that the second highest priority will be accorded to earmarking funds for the education and health sectors in the upcoming year’s budget. He made this remark in his address to the nation during this year’s Republic Day ceremony.

Highlighting the numerous efforts made to advance the higher education sector over the past year, the President noted that many training programmes were conducted, skills development projects launched, scholarships awarded, and numerous loans sanctioned through various loan schemes.

The President emphasised the efforts to facilitate more opportunities for higher secondary education, stating that 23 schools have started higher secondary level education and noted the reopening of the Centre for Higher Secondary Education-Malé to ease the difficulties for higher secondary level students in Malé City. The President also remarked that the government would initiate the development of Al Madharusathul Arabiyyathul Islamiyya on a large plot designated for the development of the school.

President Dr Muizzu acknowledged the need to produce local teachers for lower grades, stating that the Government prioritises creating a local workforce of teachers for this purpose. He mentioned that the National Teacher Training Programme aims to provide opportunities for recent higher secondary graduates to enter the teaching profession. Additionally, he noted that this year would see the highest number of training sessions for teachers.