Soldiers of the Armed Forces of Malta attend a ceremonial parade in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Malta in Valletta, Malta, on Dec. 13, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

Malta on Friday marked the 50th anniversary since it revised its constitution and officially became a Republic in 1974.

The anniversary was marked with a ceremonial parade by the Armed Forces of Malta which greeted President Myriam Spiteri Debono and other dignitaries at St George's Square, Valletta.

In 1974, the Mediterranean island country stopped having a foreign head of state under the sovereignty of the British monarch. Instead, it appointed its first President of the Republic.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Republic Day, various activities were organized throughout the long weekend.
 

Maltese President Myriam Spiteri Debono inspects the guard of honor during a ceremonial parade by the Armed Forces of Malta in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Malta in Valletta, Malta, on Dec. 13, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

Soldiers of the Armed Forces of Malta attend a ceremonial parade in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Malta in Valletta, Malta, on Dec. 13, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

Soldiers of the Armed Forces of Malta attend a ceremonial parade in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Malta in Valletta, Malta, on Dec. 13, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

Maltese President Myriam Spiteri Debono (front) attends a ceremonial parade by the Armed Forces of Malta in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Malta in Valletta, Malta, on Dec. 13, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

Soldiers of the Armed Forces of Malta attend a ceremonial parade in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Malta in Valletta, Malta, on Dec. 13, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)