President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the expansion of Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM services to all islands during an event at the President’s Office this afternoon.

On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and the Bank of Maldives to provide Bank of Maldives ATM services to the entire Maldives.

At a ceremony, the newly installed ATM from the new project was unveiled. This ATM has been installed in Omadhoo. Currently, the Bank of Maldives (BML) has set up 190 ATMs across the country, and by the end of 2025, the project aims to establish over 250 ATMs nationwide. This initiative aligns with the President’s pledge to provide ATM services in all inhabited islands of the Maldives, ensuring that all Maldivians have access to banking services.

During the event, Bank of Maldives CEO Mohamed Shareef presented a memento to the President.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated a new fuel farm and hydrant system at Velana International Airport, in a ceremony held Thursday evening.

With the opening of the new fuel farm, storage capacity has increased from 13.5 million liters to 45 million liters. This represents a storage capacity increase of three times. Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL) completed this undertaking through a loan from China’s Exim Bank.

As part of the project, an 8.4 kilometer underground fuel hydrant system was also installed. The underground system eliminates the need for refuellers, enhancing safety and security standards and enhances fueling efficiency, safety, and sustainability to meet increasing demand and support long-haul flights.

Completed with strict adherence to international standards, this modern infrastructure ensures VIA is equipped for a strong, adaptable future, as per the President’s vision for the of the airport as laid out in the masterplan.

Following the launch of the fuel farm and hydrant system, the President had toured the airport.

Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef and senior government officials attended the ceremony.

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has congratulated Republican candidate Donald Trump, who is projected to win the United States presidential election.

In a post on X on Wednesday afternoon, President Dr Muizzu joined other world leaders in congratulating Trump on making an apparent stunning political comeback, four years after he left the White House.

In his message, President Dr Muizzu said that the Maldives and the US share a strong partnership based on mutual respect, goodwill and understanding.

I look forward to strengthening our cooperation, address mutual challenges and work towards advancing global peace and prosperity: President Dr Muizzu

Trump has so far secured 267 electoral votes, while Harris has won 224.

As a result, Trump is now projected to have won the presidency and will re-enter the White House as America’s 47th president.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the public consultation process for the 20-Year National Development Plan during a special event held on Wednesday morning at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE).

Speaking on the occasion, the President emphasized the importance of everyone’s cooperation in both planning and executing the plan for the benefit of the country and future generations. He stated that if the plan is developed and carried out effectively, the country could be recognized as a fully developed nation by 2040.

The President urged that the development masterplan focus on modern technology, the digital economy, and addressing the core challenges faced by the people.

Following the President’s speech, a discussion panel on the 20-year National Development Master Plan commenced. This panel includes parents, teachers, students, institutions, civil society members, individuals in need of medical assistance, and participants from various backgrounds.

The process of creating a 20-year national development plan has begun, with a commitment to complete it within a year. Additionally, the Government has decided to include a clause in the Constitution to grant legal authority to the plan.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that this administration is one for the people and, as such, will always align with the interests of the people. He made the statement in his address at the launch of the “Hiyaavehi Financing Program” held Tuesday morning.

The President noted that one of the most pressing issues this administration faced was the issue of housing. He said that seeking long-term and sustainable solutions for this a vital aspect, and as such, he gave reassurance the “Hiyaavahi Financing Program” scheme was not one that would be halted one year later. The scheme, he added, was part of the Dhivehinge Raajje manifesto. The scheme is a fulfilment of the loan scheme that capped housing loan interest at five percent and would allow home owners anywhere in the country to upgrade their residences.

The President further noted that the 2025 budget had prioritized on housing, with MVR 1 billion allotted to housing. President Dr Muizzu added that this amount will be apportioned in the next four years’ budget as well. Therefore, he said, every year, MVR 2 billion of housing loans would be leveraged from this MVR 1 billion addition to the scheme.

The President noted that the administration will seek solutions to homeowners who have been unable to proceed ahead with finishing ongoing and planned work on their residences.

In his address, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reflected on his aims of providing adequate housing options to all citizens. He added that his priority was to fulfill the pledges made in his interactions with citizens in various meetings and platforms.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had thanked Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC), Bank of Maldives (BML) and Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB), partners in this venture.

The President had announced the interest capped housing loan scheme in his address to the nation at this year’s Independence Day.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reopened Centre for Higher Secondary Education- Malé (CHSE- Malé). The school was reopened after renovations with a special function held tonight.

At the function, the President was presented with a memento symbolizing the school’s journey. He also attended a forum, conducted by five students, where they discussed the hopes of students for the future of the nation.

At the function held to mark the 45th anniversary of CHSE last year, the President had announced the Government’s intention to resume the provision of higher secondary education in the Malé ward. With the resumption of services at CHSE-Malé, that pledge has come to fruition. The president had also affirmed earlier that the Government would provide more opportunities for students who wish to pursue higher secondary education.

Addressing the function, Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu expressed gratitude to the President on behalf of the education sector for identifying the difficulties that a large number of students face to commute between Malé and Hulhumalé and for offering a solution. The Minister echoed the Government’s commitment to ensuring more opportunities for students who complete their O Level examinations by increasing the student population sitting the A Level exams to 2,000.

CHSE-Malé reopened with a strength of 424 students. It was first launched on July 3, 1979, as Science Education Centre (SEC).

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the Maldives National Service Programme will be implemented every year from 2025 to increase the personnel at the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS). He made the remarks while addressing the nation at the official ceremony to commemorate the Victory Day of the Maldives.

The President noted that while celebrating occasions such as Victory Day, it is important to recognize the ongoing work needed to ensure that the country we pass on to future generations remains secure and independent. He emphasized the importance of continuing the national service programme to achieve this goal.

The President further said that Maldivians above the age of 16 who are unable to continue their academic life due to various reasons after completing their secondary education and are not eligible for employment can be recruited to the Maldives National Service Programme and recruited to the MNDF or Police Service.

The President stated that recent statistics indicate 500 to 1,000 children complete O-level qualifications but remain unemployed. However, the National Service Programme of the Maldives will help address this issue.

The President stated that the lack of access to education and job opportunities has contributed to an increase in drug addiction. This trend has placed a greater burden on the government, society, and families. He also emphasized that this situation hurts the economy. To address these challenges, he announced the recruitment of 5,000 young people for the armed forces and police services over the next four years as part of the Maldives National Service Programme. This recruitment will include approximately 4,000 personnel for military services and around 1,000 officers for the police service.

The President announced that the National Service Programme of the Maldives will be supported by legislation. He also shared details about the financial provisions for implementing the national program, stating that MVR 400 million would be allocated for New Policy Initiatives (NPI) in the budget for 2025. Additionally, he mentioned that every year, an extra MVR 400 million could be added to the program.

The President emphasized that a nation requires individuals willing to sacrifice their lives to defend the country against enemies both within and external.