The Maldives government has said it was disappointed that small nations are not getting the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the international peace and security.

The government said this in a statement published by the foreign ministry on Friday after losing its bid for the United Nations (UN) Security Council seat for the Asia Pacific region.

In the statement, the government said that only eight Small Island Developing States have had the opportunity to serve on the Security Council in the past 72 years and expressed its hope that Friday’s results will not dishearten other small States to compete for membership in the Council.

“The Maldives hopes that the future will provide a platform for all members of the UN, big or small, to serve on the Security Council, on the merits of their commitments and ideals, to international peace and security.”

The government also congratulated Indonesia on winning the seat and reiterated its commitment to work closely with Indonesia, and all the newly elected members.

“The Maldives will continue to champion its priorities at the UN, despite not winning a seat on the United Nations Security Council.”

On Friday, the United Nations (UN) held a plenary meeting to elect five non-permanent members of the Security Council. Indonesia won the seat for a fourth term on Friday with 144 of the 193 votes, while Maldives received 46.