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The President
urges Maldivian students abroad to uphold the good name of the
country
President's Office 28
March 2005 -The President
last night urged Maldivian students overseas to uphold the
good name of the country. He made the statement during a
function to meet with the Maldivian community in New Delhi.
The event was held at the hotel in New Delhi where the
President and the First Lady are residing during their current
Official Visit to India.
The President called on Maldivian students to make full use of
the opportunity they had to study abroad. He went on to note
that students who successfully completed their education
overseas and returned to serve their country were doing an
invaluable service to their parents and to their nation. He
spoke on the importance of adhering to the principles of the
Islamic faith throughout their stay abroad, and pointed out
that the conduct of Maldivian nationals would reflect upon the
country, regardless of where they were residing.
The President said that he and Madam Nasreena were visiting
India on the invitation of India’s President, Dr. A. P. J.
Abdul Kalam, to hold bilateral discussions with top Indian
leaders on ways to further strengthen the traditionally close
friendly relations that existed between the Maldives and
India. He noted that his current visit to India was his 16th
Official Visit to the country as president. Further, he
pointed out that seven Indian prime ministers had also visited
the Maldives during his presidency. He went on to note that
these high-level exchanges had brought the two nations closer.
Highlighting that a number of distinguished Maldivians were
residing in New Delhi at the moment, the President said that
their work was also contributing to strengthen relations
between the Maldives and India. He added that some of these
expatriates were holding senior posts in international
organisations, and that they were a credit to the nation.
The President also spoke on the efforts of the Government to
increase environmental security of the people and the ongoing
nationwide efforts to attain full recovery after the
destruction caused by the 26 December tsunami. Highlighting
the tremendous support of the members of the general public in
national reconstruction and recovery, the President noted that
Maldivians residing overseas also had an important role to
play in this endeavour.
The President said that the sweeping democratic reforms that
were being implemented in the Maldives at the moment were
aimed at taking the nation to greater developmental heights
and to improve the quality of life and the prosperity of the
people.
The welcome remarks were presented by the Maldivian High
Commissioner to India, Lt. Gen (Rt.) Anbaree Abdul Sattar. In
his remarks, the High Commissioner thanked the President and
the First Lady for meeting with the Maldivian community in New
Delhi, during their stay in the Indian capital.
The Director, Environmental Health, at the WHO Regional Office
in New Delhi, Dr. Abdul Sattar Yoosuf also spoke at the
function. He said that it was an honour for the Maldivian
community in New Delhi that the President and the First Lady
had met with them. Expressing his confidence that the opening
in 2004 of a High Commission in New Delhi would greatly
benefit the Maldivian community residing in the city, Dr.
Abdul Sattar Yoosuf thanked the President for the initiative.
He also said that the implementation of the President’s
democratic agenda would present a brighter future for the
country.
The function was attended by Maldivians working for
international organisations based in New Delhi and members of
their families, and Maldivians studying in universities and
colleges in the city. The President and the First Lady met
with them and inquired about their wellbeing.
Ends
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