President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed attended the official celebrations of the Maldives' 61st Independence Day at Republic Square on Sunday.

The ceremony featured a military parade, cultural performances and other commemorative events held to celebrate the anniversary of the Maldives' independence. A 21-gun salute by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) formed part of the official proceedings.

The celebrations were attended by 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 Cabinet Member of Saudi Arabia, who represented Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as the Guest of Honour.

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister, Dr Khalilur Rahman, attended as the Government's Special Guest, alongside the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, senior Government officials and other foreign dignitaries.