President Dr Mohamed Muizzu graced the ceremony commemorating the 61st Independence Day of the Maldives, held this morning at the Centre for Social Education hall.

The President was accompanied by First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed.

During the ceremony, the President addressed the nation, and was also presented with a special commemorative edition of Faiythoora magazine.

In addition, the ceremony featured the conferment of the Maldives' highest national honours upon 4 recipients. An additional 66 recipients were also recognised for their distinguished service to the State.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef; Speaker of the People's Majlis, Honourable Abdul Raheem Abdulla; Chief Justice, Honourable Uz Abdul Ghanee Mohamed; Cabinet Ministers; senior Government officials; and distinguished diplomatic representatives.