China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Lesotho as it marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Chinese Ambassador Yang Xiaokun said the two countries had continued to deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy, health, infrastructure and human capital development. He made the remarks at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Maseru.
Ambassador Yang highlighted China’s progress over the past 77 years, driven by self-reliance and sustained effort, resulting in historic achievements. China has transformed from a country with relatively backward productive forces into the world’s second-largest economy. The living standards of its people have improved from bare subsistence to moderate prosperity.
China has continued to modernise its governance system, advance the rule of law, deepen reform and opening up, and develop whole-process people’s democracy. Ambassador Yang said China had achieved new breakthroughs in scientific, technological and industrial innovation, expanded high-standard opening up, and consolidated its position as the world’s largest trader in goods.
Despite China’s achievements, Ambassador Yang noted that the world still faces conflicts, development challenges and uncertainties. He emphasised the need for greater international cooperation to uphold peace, promote development and create conditions for countries to prosper. President Xi Jinping has put forward several initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative.
Lesotho has firmly supported these initiatives and translated its support into concrete action. The country is a member of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative and was among the founding members of the Group of Friends of Global Governance. Ambassador Yang commended Lesotho’s support for multilateralism and its efforts to strengthen the voice of African countries in global affairs.
The two countries have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in international affairs while opposing unilateral sanctions, protectionism and economic hegemonism. China has waived two interest-free loans amounting to M224.94 million in April, fulfilling a commitment made at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Richard Ramoeletsi, said the relationship between Lesotho and China was founded on mutual respect, equality and common development. He cited several tangible outcomes of bilateral cooperation, including the completion of the Mpiti-Sehlaba-Thebe Road and Chinese support for Maseru District Hospital.
Key points
- China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Lesotho.
- The two countries have deepened cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy, health, infrastructure and human capital development.
- Lesotho has supported China’s initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative.
