President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has expressed youth will achieve remarkable goals, if given the necessary opportunities and support by the government, adding the national football team and the Maldivian pilot who landed the first ever Airbus A380 in Maldives have proven it today.
Addressing the ceremony held at Velana International Airport (VIA) to receive the national football team and to officially inaugurate the new Code-F runway, President Abdulla Yameen congratulated the national football team on winning the SAFF Suzuki Cup 2018. Advising not to underestimate the skills of youth living in the atolls, President Yameen noted talents and skills are not limited to individuals living in the greater Male’ region. The president noted the efforts of the government to identify youth talents across Maldives and enhancing their skills in a bid to transform the national football team to a title winning side. The president expressed the importance of re-electing the current administration to create more opportunities for youth and further showcase their talents in the global arena.
President Yameen stated the construction of the code-F runway in Maldives is an achievement for all Maldivians. The president appreciated the efforts of former President Ibrahim Nasir and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in developing the airport.
Continuing on, the president noted the runway is the first step in the transformation of Maldives, adding VIA is the largest asset of the country which would generate the biggest income for the state. In this regard, the president revealed the annual revenue will increase to USD 5.32 billion upon completion of the expansion project.