Maseru, Jan.21 –Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations together with Chinese Embassy launched reception of quarterly coordination mechanism at the event held at the embassy on Tuesday.
The launch witnessed by officials from the ministry and the embassy as well as media came following the People’s Republic of China’s Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi’s visit last week. The Coordination Mechanism is aimed to ensure the effective implementation of the outcomes of the visit.
In his remarks, Principal Secretary Mr. Thabang Lekhela extended the government’s congratulations on the highly successful and historic conclusion of the visit of Mr. Wang Yi saying they are reflecting on a transformative milestone, a visit that has powerfully elevated their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights.
He said this historic visit marked Africa as the destination for China’s first overseas diplomatic trip of the year for the 36th consecutive time and coincided with the launch of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, thereby underscoring its profound strategic significance for Lesotho and for their collective future.
He said Minister Wang’s visit happened at a critical time when globally they face headwinds of unilateralism, protectionism and fragmentation saying for Lesotho, these challenges including recent adverse external trade shocks have made the national imperatives even more urgent including economic diversification, infrastructure modernization, energy security, and job creation for the youth.
He said the outcomes reached between the two countries during Minister Wang’s visit provide a clear blueprint for progress, highlighting a high-level consensus to take their bilateral relationship to a “new and higher level.
He reaffirmed the non-negotiable bedrock of their trust: Lesotho’s firm and unwavering adherence to the One-China Principle, recognizing Taiwan as an inalienable part of China’s territory.
He said the talks yielded tangible, action-oriented results on political solidarity, economic transformation, institutional fortification, multilateral alignment and people to people exchanges.
Mr. Lekhela highlighted that this visit has moved their cooperation decisively from the realm of promises to the phase of project delivery and mutual benefit. He said it shifts the paradigm from aid to development-focused investment and partnership.
He indicated that to capitalize on this powerful momentum, their path forward is clear saying they must prioritize implementation. He said the new Bilateral Cooperation Mechanism must convene without delay saying its inaugural session set not far from the future to translate directives into action, starting with skills training and project rollout.
Again, he said they must strategically align the national plans with China’s cooperation frameworks such as the FOCAC and the Belt and Road Initiative, ensuring Lesotho attracts the resources and attention needed for her development.
He added that they must build domestic capacity to ensure Basotho businesses and professionals are ready to fully participate in and benefit from these partnerships.
He further emphasized that they will manage this deepening friendship as a cornerstone of a sovereign, balanced and diversified foreign policy.
Moreover, Mr. Lekhela mentioned that the visit has provided both the political mandate and the practical roadmap to significantly enhance Lesotho’s infrastructure, achieve energy independence, create jobs for youth and strengthen their voice on the world stage emphasizing that with unity of purpose and disciplined execution they commit to its full realization.
He expressed profound and sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of the People’s Republic of China on the generous financial support announced during the visit saying it is a powerful testament to the strength and sincerity of their partnership.
“These significant pledges are not merely gifts; they are strategic investments in Lesotho’s future and a concrete embodiment of our shared commitment to mutual growth and development. This support comes at a pivotal time and will be instrumental in accelerating our national priorities as outlined in our National Strategic Development Plan. We are confident that these resources will directly contribute to tangible improvements in the lives of the Basotho people, driving progress”, he said.
On the other hand, Ambassador Yang Xiaokun expressed sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the warm hospitality and thoughtful arrangements extended to Minister Wang Yi during his visit. He said this visit was not only a diplomatic event for the two countries, but also a vivid demonstration of the high level of mutual trust and friendship between China and Lesotho.
He said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to elevating the China–Lesotho strategic partnership to a higher level and to making it a model of friendly exchanges and common development between countries with different national conditions and systems.
He reiterated that Minister Wang had stated that China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
He also emphasized that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho’s specialty products to the Chinese market and continue to support Lesotho’s national development.
He said this mechanism is result-oriented and action-focused with its main purpose being to maintain close coordination on major issues, to strenghten their mutual support, to review progress in the implementation of key cooperation projects, to facilitate problem-solving and to exchange views on regional and international developments.
He said its success will depend on the sustained commitment and joint efforts of both sides.
He further said the visit to Lesotho conveyed a simple yet powerful message that Lesotho matters, its people matter and China stands ready to deepen people-centered cooperation and work with Lesotho as a trusted strategic partner for shared development and a shared future.
Furthermore he indicated that looking ahead, under the strategic guidance of their leaders and with the effective operation of this coordination mechanism, he is confident that they will better translate consensus into action and commitment into concrete outcomes.
He stressed that China stands ready to work closely with Lesotho to steadily implement the outcomes of this historic visit, deepen practical cooperation and bring more tangible benefits to their people.
“Let’s continue to work hand in hand, as trusted partners and sincere friends, to push China–Lesotho relations to new heights and open an even brighter chapter in our shared future”, he urged.
Meanwhile China and Lesotho has had bilateral relations for over 30 years with China supporting projects like Mpiti-Sehlaba-Thebe road, Ramarothole Power Plant and construction of Maseru District hospital to mention a few.
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