President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih participated in the celebratory flag hoisting ceremony to mark the 56th Anniversary of Independence of the Maldives, early Monday monring.
The ceremony took place at the Republic Square at 05:50am.
President Solih was greeted by Minister of Defense and National Security Mariya Ahmed Didi and the Minister of Home Affairs Sheikh Imran Abdulla when he arrived at the Square.
The ceremony kicked off with a Quran recitation by Sheikh Ahmed Abdul Kareem.
First Lady Fazna Ahmed, Vice President Faisal Naseem and other senior government officials were also present at the ceremony.
Maldives celebrates independence on 26 July every year since gaining independence from the British on the 26 July 1965 after 77 years as a British protectorate.
