Maldivian Vice-President, Dr. Mohamed Waheed speaking at the General Debate of the 65th Session of the UN General Assembly thanked President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his assistance in solving the Maldivian political crisis.

"I would like to thank all members of the international community for their continued engagement and assistance, specifically President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka for his constructive contributions," Vice President Mohamed Waheed said.

Speaking with regard to advancements in democracy, sustainable development and peace building throughout the SAARC region, Maldivian Vice-President said, "the Maldives welcomes Sri Lanka's success in their ongoing consolidation of peace and democracy, and we call upon the international community to support them in their reconciliation efforts, as well as in their efforts to rebuild a nation torn from 25 years of sustained conflict".

President Rajapaksa offered his assistance to resolve the political crisis in Maldives as a friend and a neighbour, in accordance with the wishes of the Government and the Opposition of the Maldives in initiating a dialogue, according to the joint press release issued by the Governments of Sri Lanka and Maldives.