بســم اللّـه الرّحمـن الرّحيــم
Your Excellency, Prime Minister Modi,
Distinguished Heads of State and Government,
A very good evening to you all.
It gives me immense pleasure to be a part of this auspicious occasion to celebrate the successful launching of the South Asia Satellite. On behalf of the Government, and the people of Maldives, I wish to extend sincere gratitude to Your Excellency Prime Minister Modi and the people of India, for this very special gift to the South Asian Region.
The launching of the South Asia Satellite signifies India’s “Neighborhood First Policy,” and the vision and commitment of Prime Minister Modi, towards the development and prosperity of the South Asian Region.
In November 2014, during the 18th SAARC Summit, when Prime Minister Modi announced the launching of the South Asia Satellite, the people of the Maldives and I accepted the priceless gift, as I was fully convinced that it would help address a horde of issues facing the region and help strengthen people-to-people linkages.
The Satellite will, in no doubt, serve to improve the lives of the people of South Asia, as it extends benefits in the areas of telecommunication, telemedicine, tele-education, mapping of natural resources and disaster management support.
Excellencies,
I strongly believe that we, as SAARC member states, must work towards the common good of all through greater trade and economic investments between our countries. As we focus on our growth and regional cooperation, we must work hand-in-hand towards eliminating the challenges and obstacles constraining us.
Excellencies,
As South Asia marks another regional milestone, I would like to reaffirm the Maldives’ commitment towards the betterment and prosperity of our region. I reiterate the unwavering commitment and determination of the Maldives to work with all our South Asian neighbors towards the greater good of all.
It is my sincere hope that we be able to put aside our differences, and work together as an organization that can fulfill our hopes and aspirations.
Sabka Saath. Sabka Vikas.
Let me once again express sincere gratitude to you, Prime Minister Modi, and call upon all our South Asian friends to seize this opportunity to reinvigorate our efforts with added impetus to help realize the dreams and aspirations of our peoples.