Maldives has expressed support for India’s candidature for permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council.

The archipelago nation’s president made the announcement during Monday’s joint press statement with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He is currently on a three-day visit to the neighboring nation.

Speaking to the press, President Solih reiterated Maldives’ support for India's candidature ‘for permanent membership of an expanded and reformed UN Security Council.’

“During my discussion with PM, I reiterated Maldives’s support for India's candidature for permanent membership of an expanded and reformed UN Security Council. And shall also support India’s candidature for non-permanent seat for the year 2020-21,” said the president.

The 2019 United Nations Security Council election will be held in mid-2019 during the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly. While India is competing for the Asia-Pacific group, it is competing against Vietnam; only one nation will be chosen.

Earlier this year, Maldives competed against Indonesia as the non-permanent representative of the Asia Pacific region. Indonesia won the seat for a fourth term with 144 of the 193 votes, while Maldives received only 46.

It has since been reported that Indian had voted against Maldives in the vote held in June, despite having given its assurance that it will vote for the country.

Days ahead of the vote, PM Modi had even made an official visit to Indonesia.