President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the record diplomatic attendance at this year's Independence Day celebrations reflects the Maldives' expanding international relations and the success of the Government's Maldives-First foreign policy.

Speaking at the official ceremony commemorating the 61st Independence Day of the Maldives, held this morning at the Centre for Social Education, the President noted that this year's celebrations had attracted the highest level of international participation in the past decade.

President Dr Muizzu said his Administration has placed particular emphasis on strengthening relations with Arab and Islamic countries. He added that the attendance of His Royal Highness Prince Dr Mansour bin Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Adviser to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia, demonstrated the growing strength of bilateral ties.

Prince Dr Mansour attended the celebrations at the invitation of President Dr Muizzu, on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The President also welcomed Dr Khalilur Rahman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, who attended the celebrations as the Special Guest of the Government of Maldives.

President Dr Muizzu revealed that representatives from 43 countries, together with five United Nations agencies and 113 diplomats, were taking part in this year's Independence Day celebrations.

He said the unprecedented level of international participation was the highest recorded over the past 10 years and reflected the success of the Government's foreign policy. The President also expressed appreciation to the international community for its continued support in advancing the Maldives' diplomatic objectives.

Reaffirming the principles of the Government's foreign policy, President Dr Muizzu said his Administration has consistently implemented the foreign policy agenda outlined during the 2023 presidential election campaign. He described it as a balanced, Maldives-first foreign policy centred on safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and national interests while maintaining close relations with all countries that respect the Maldives' independence and sovereignty.

The President added that the Government remains committed to resolving international issues through diplomacy and to further strengthening the Maldives' partnerships with the international community.