Vice President Calls for Eternal Sovereignty on 61st Independence Day

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has extended his greetings to the nation in commemoration of the 61st Independence Day, urging the Maldives to maintain its sovereign freedom for eternity. In a statement published via the social media platform X, the Vice President offered sincere wishes to all Maldivian citizens, emphasizing the profound importance of the nation's enduring independence and the collective responsibility to preserve its autonomy. The annual national holiday marks the anniversary of the historic agreement signed between the Maldivian and British governments on July 26, 1965. This pivotal moment saw the British government formally recognize the Maldives as a fully independent state, granting the nation complete governing authority over all its constituent islands. Before achieving full independence, the Maldives existed as a British protectorate starting in 1887. During this period, British authorities maintained a policy of non-interference, leaving the internal and domestic affairs of the Maldivian people to be managed locally. As the country celebrates over six decades of self-governance, the Vice President's remarks serve as a reminder of the historical journey from a protectorate to a sovereign republic, highlighting the enduring value of national independence in the modern era.