Maseru, March 4 — The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mr. Lejone Mpotjoana on Wednesday received the Letters of Credence of Ms. Taija Mari Johanna Kontinen-Sharp as the United Nations Resident Coordinator to the Kingdom of Lesotho.
The presentation of credentials formally marks the commencement of her mandate following her appointment by the United Nations Secretary-General.
In receiving the credentials, the Minister reaffirmed Lesotho’s longstanding and cordial relations with the United Nations, underscoring the country’s firm commitment to multilateralism and cooperation in pursuit of sustainable development.
Mr. Mpotjoana also expressed optimism for strengthened collaboration under Ms. Kontinen-Sharp’s leadership, particularly in advancing inclusive governance, sustainable development and expanded opportunities for all Basotho.
Meanwhile, the Minister also received the Letters of Appointment of Mr. Alankar Malviya as Country Director and Representative of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Mr. Malviya succeeds Ms. Pepukai Chukikwa and will serve from the UNAIDS Multi-Country Office in Pretoria, overseeing Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa.
The Government of Lesotho commended the continued partnership with UNAIDS in coordinating and strengthening the national HIV response. Following the country’s achievement of the 95-95-95 HIV treatment targets in 2024, Lesotho has sustained notable progress in combating HIV and AIDS.
Government reiterated its commitment to working closely with UNAIDS and other stakeholders to consolidate gains made and to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Lesotho continues to value its partnership with the UN system, which remains aligned with the country’s national development priorities.
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