A visual history: 60 years of Maldives independence

Maldives Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir being greeted following the first Air Ceylon flight to land at the airport constructed in Hulhule by the Maldivian people: Hulhule Airport is one of the greatest symbols of Maldives independence. – Photo: National Archives of Maldives

People gather to welcome the first plane Air Ceylon to land at the airport in Hulhule by Maldivian people: HulhuleAirport is one of the greatest symbols of Maldives independence. – Photo: National Archives of Maldives

Then Minister Ibrahim Shihab participates in the construction of the airport in Hulhule: HulhuleAirport is one of the greatest symbols of Maldives independence. -- Photo: National Archives of Maldives

Maldivians take part in the construction of of the airport: Hulhule Airport is one of the greatest symbols of Maldives independence. -- Photo: National Archives of Maldives

Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir and some of the people in charge of the construction of an independent airport in Hulhule, inspect the work: Hulhule Airport is one of the greatest symbols of Maldives independence. -- Photo: National Archives of Maldives

The first plane to land at the British-built station in Hulhule, landing there: The British taking control of this station was the main reason Maldives wanted to build its own airport. -- Photo: National Archives of Maldives

The first plane to land at the British-built station in Hulhule, landing there: The British taking control of this station was the main reason Maldives wanted to build its own airport. -- Photo: National Archives of Maldives

KakaageAhmed Hilmy Didi (R) and Kandi Ahmed Ismail Manik represent Maldives at the first General Assembly since Maldives became a member of the United Nations: Maldives joined the United Nations after gaining independence from the British. – Photo: National Archives of Maldives

At the ceremony of granting Maldives membership in the United Nations, the then Secretary General of the Organization, U Thant, hands over the documents to Kakaage Ahmed Hilmy Didi (R): Maldives joined the United Nations after gaining independence from the British. -- Photo: National Archives of Maldives

At the ceremony of granting Maldives membership in the United Nations, the then Secretary General of the Organization, U Thant, speaks: Maldives joined the United Nations after gaining independence from the British. -- Photo: National Archives of Maldives

MAldives Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir, British High Commissioner Michael Walker, and representatives of the two countries pose for a group photo after the signing of the Treaty of Independence of Maldives in Sri Lanka on July 26, 1965 -- Photo: National Archives of Maldives

Maldives Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir and ministers meet with British representatives in Sri Lanka: Discussions for Maldives independence were held in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka –- Photo: National Archives of Maldives

Maldives Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi, signs the document after taking office: Abdul Sattar was one of the leading figures in the discussions for Maldives independence with the British – Photo: National Archives of Maldives

Maldives Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir and British High Commissioner Michael Walker after signing the Treaty of Independence in Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 26, 1965 -- Photo: National Archives of Maldives

Maldives Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir and ministers pose for a group photo after a meeting with British representatives in Sri Lanka. – Photo: National Archives of Maldives

Maldives Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir and British High Commissioner Michael Walker exchange the Treaty of Independence in Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 26, 1965 -- Photo: National Archives of Maldives

Maldives Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir and British High Commissioner Michael Walker exchange tokens after signing the Treaty of Independence in Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 26, 1965 -- Photo: National Archives of Maldives

Maldives Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir and British High Commissioner Michael Walker sign the Treaty of Independence in Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 26, 1965 -- Photo: National Archives of Maldives