President Abdulla Yameen and First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim hosted the official reception to mark the country's 53rd Independence Day on Wednesday.
While the Maldives celebrates Independence Day on 26th July, the reception was held at Dharubaaruge on Wednesday night.
At the reception, the first couple met with those in attendance at the reception, exchanging Independence Day greetings.
Those in attendance include, Vice President Abdulla Jihad, Parliament Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed, cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats as well as state dignitaries and state ministers.
President Yameen is also expected to attend the Independence Day function to be held at the Republic Square on Thursday evening, where he will present the various national awards by the state.
According to the President's Office, the National Awards Committee has selected five recipients for 2018’s National Award of Honour and 15 recipients for the National Award of Recognition, while 24 individuals are to receive the National Award for Special Achievement.
