President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim hosted the official reception on the occasion of the Maldives’ Independence Day.
The official reception was held Tuesday evening at the Islamic Centre Grounds.
The President and the First Lady met with those in attendance and exchanged greetings in celebration of the auspicious occasion.
img:http://s1.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14696346037796.jpg|President and First Lady host official reception celebrating Independence Day - Photo: President's Office
Former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, Vice President Abdulla Jihad, Speaker of the Parliament, Chief Justice, Cabinet Ministers, Members of the Parliament, Diplomats, State dignitaries and Ministers of State were among the many guests in attendance. Cabinet ministers, parliamentarians and government officials spoke of the development gained by the country during the 51 years and noted the importance of remaining a sovereign state in order to continue on the road of development.
img:http://s4.psmnews.mv/images/660x400/14696162597516.jpg|President and First Lady host official reception celebrating Independence Day - Photo: President's Office
The reception was also attended by foreign dignitaries, including ambassadors and high commissioners and representatives from international organizations and NGOs. High commissioner of India to Maldives, High Commissioner from Pakistan to Maldives, WHO country representative to the Maldives and UN resident coordinator to the Maldives congratulated Maldives for the achievements gained during the 51 years and expressed sincere well-wishes for Maldives to gain more development in the upcoming years.
Other dignitaries including a delegation from IPU, Ambassador of Bulgaria, Ambassador from Palestine, Ambassador from Saudia Arabia, Ambassador from Bangladesh, Ambassador from Philippines and UN representative to the Maldives as well as many other diplomats and dignitaries attended the reception.