President of Malta George Vella laid a wreath at the foot of the Freedom Day monument in Birgu on Thursday.

Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader Bernard Grech were, however, absent from the ceremony.

Instead, representatives on their behalf took part in the wreath-laying ceremony. Minister Owen Bonnici represented the Prime Minister and PN MP David Agius represented the Opposition Leader.

Freedom Day celebrates the anniversary of the withdrawal of British troops and the Royal Navy from Malta in 1979.