Sir Anthony Mamo, Malta's first President, turned 99 today.

President Eddie Fenech Adami paid him a visit, jokingly describing him as "the birthday boy". He told Sir Anthony that the people were grateful for the service he had given the country, and he praised him for his professionalism and integrity.

Sir Anthony replied that he always did the best he could and he was proud of the fact that some of the most senior people in the public service were his former students.

“Eddie was my student at the university and he was always brilliant. He was always well prepared and knew how to tackle certain cases, especially those dealing with income tax, as no one else knew ,” Sir Anthony told reporters. Dr Fenech Adami was one of the best students he ever had, he said, adding that this had nothing to do with politics and he was only speaking on his personal relationship.

He also joked with photographers that he respected them because they never portrayed him uglier than he was.

Sir Anthony is a resident of Casa Arkati.

He was appointed President when Malta became a Republic on December 13, 1974 and served until 1976. He was previously Governor-General after having served as Attorney General and then Chief Justice.