The Maldivian government has assured its commitment to regional development while thanking India for its launch of the GSAT-9 satellite on Friday. 

President Abdulla Yameen had participated in a live video conference with the fellow leaders of South Asian nations – India’s Narendra Modi, Sri Lanka’s Maithripala Sirisena, Nepal’s Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina, Afghanistan’s Ashraf Ghani, Bhutan’s Tshering Tobgay. 

“It is my sincere hope that we be able to put aside our differences, and work together as an organization that can fulfil our hopes and aspiration" President Yameen said at the conference. 

President Yameen further said that the Satellite would serve to improve resources for South Asia: aiding ventures in telecommunication, telemedicine, tele-education, mapping of natural resources and disaster management support.

The GSAT-9 carries 12 transponders that India is offering to neighboring South Asian nations. 

Pakistan had opted out of the GSAT-9 mission citing that it has its own space program.