President Muizzu Leads 60th Independence Day Celebrations with Flag-Hoisting and Honours for Security Services
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, during the flag hoisting ceremony today to celebrate the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day at Republic Square on July 26, 2025 | Photo: President’s Office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed led the nation in commemorating the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives with a special flag-hoisting ceremony held at Republic Square at 6:00 a.m. this morning.
Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef and senior Government officials joined the President and First Lady for the occasion. Upon arrival, they were received by Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim.
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The ceremony included the hoisting of the national flag, a special prayer to mark the historic occasion, and a performance of the national anthem by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) military band.
Independence Day, marked annually on 26 July, celebrates the Maldives’ full independence from the British Protectorate in 1965.
Later in the day, President Muizzu met with officials of the MNDF and Maldives Police Service (MPS) to honour their service in safeguarding the nation’s independence and security.
He was welcomed at the event by Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, and Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen. A guard of honour was accorded to the President in recognition of his role as Commander-in-Chief.
During the ceremony, the President presented Presidential Medals, Long Service Medals, and Distinguished Service Medals to MNDF and MPS personnel in recognition of their contributions to national security.
In his address, President Muizzu praised the dedication of the armed forces and police in protecting the sovereignty and safety of the Maldives. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to equipping and supporting the nation’s security services to uphold peace and stability.
Chief of Defence Force Major General Hilmy and Commissioner of Police Naveen also spoke at the event, reiterating their institutions’ continued commitment to national security. The ceremony concluded with MNDF and MPS members renewing their pledges to serve the nation with honour.
Senior Government officials, along with military and police personnel, were in attendance at both ceremonies held to mark this significant national milestone.
