PRIME MINISTER WELCOMES CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER

The Prime Minister said the visit reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to strengthen their long-standing strategic partnership and expand cooperation in key areas of development. He noted that Chinese enterprises have, over the years, delivered tangible results in Lesotho, and emphasized that future collaboration should prioritize skills development and job creation for Basotho.

Earlier in the day, Minister Wang Yi arrived at Moshoeshoe I International Airport, where he was received by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Lesotho, Mr Yang Xiaokun, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr Thabang Lekhela, and other senior government officials.

Minister Wang Yi thanked the Government and people of Lesotho for the warm reception and congratulated the country as it prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary of independence. He praised the Government’s focus on national development and economic transformation, and said his visit formed part of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), aimed at supporting African countries in priority development projects.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr Lejone Mpotjoane, also held bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart and later told the media that Lesotho seeks to strengthen economic cooperation with China, enhance agricultural production, and work together in the aviation sector, including the refurbishment of Moshoeshoe I International Airport.

He further indicated that opportunities are being explored for Basotho teachers and youth to work in China.

The visit highlights the strong and friendly relations between Lesotho and China, founded on mutual political trust and cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, health, education and international affairs.