The Maldives marked its 61st Independence Day with a cultural and entertainment programme held at Republic Square on Sunday evening.

The event was attended by the Guest of Honour, His Royal Highness Prince Dr Mansour bin Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He was welcomed on arrival by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed. Bangladesh's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Khalilur Rahman, also attended the celebrations.

The programme began with a presidential salute, followed by a military march-past and a parade by the National Cadet Corps through the streets of Malé.

More than 400 students from three schools participated in cultural performances, alongside traditional Boduberu performances and displays by some of the country's well-known dance groups. The Maldives National Defence Force also presented a special performance to mark the occasion.

The celebrations concluded with a fireworks display, which President Dr Muizzu watched together with students gathered at Republic Square.