Gan International would speed up development - President

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday said that the Gan International Airport (GIA) would make a remarkable contribution to speeding up the pace of progress in Addu Atoll.

Speaking at the ceremony held to officially inaugurate the Airport, President Gayoom said that the government attaches a very high priority to the development of Addu Atoll in particular, as it is the most populous atoll in Maldives. He noted that a number of projects had been launched for the progress of Addu Atoll over the past few years, and that the opening of the International Airport was a notable achievement in the field of aviation.

Urging the employees of all the airports in Maldives to provide the best services for their customers, President Gayoom said that Airports were the face-front representatives of the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Transport and Communication, Mohamed Saeed noted the historic significance of the Addu Atoll Airport. He further said that Maldives had achieved significant progress in the field of aviation due to the collaborative efforts of the Government and the people.

In his speech, Addu Atoll Chief, Saud Abdulla urged the people of the atoll to work cooperatively to ensure that high standards are maintained in the airport. He expressed confidence that this airport would add to the development of the people of Addu atoll as well as those of neighboring atolls.

President Gayoom and First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim were greeted upon their arrival at the ceremony by Minister of Transport and Communication, Mohamed Saeed, Senior officials of the Ministry, the regional airport and Maldives Airports Company ltd.

President and the First Lady arrived in Addu Atoll at 11 am yesterday morning. They were greeted at the Gan Airport by the Atoll Chief, Saud Abdulla, Minister of Transport and Communication, Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Tourism and Civil aviation, Mahmood Shaugee, and other officials attending the ceremony.

The students of Feydhoo School welcomed the President and the First Lady with a welcome song at the airport.