Vietnam has launched its first telecommunication satellite. It is the sixth Southeast Asian nation to put a satellite into orbit.

The French company ArianeSpace launched the satellite in French Guiana on South America's northeastern coast.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said the satellite has significant meaning for the country.

"This is a very important project for Vietnam's socio-economic development. It defines Vietnam's sovereignty in space and promotes the Vietnamese image in the international arena."

Vu Tien Hung, general director of the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Corporation, said the satellite would improve the lives of the country's people.

"It will strengthen the infrastructure and stability of telecommunication transmissions, help telecom services, Internet, radio and television broadcasts reach remote areas, borders and islands, and ensure national security and better living conditions for Vietnamese people."

Vu Tien Hung said the satellite would be ready for use in late May.