19 Mar 2018

Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi says Botswana appreciates the strong bilateral relations that it shares with Lesotho.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the Lesotho delegation to Botswana, Mr Masisi said the two countries have long established a diplomatic relations that dates way before the so called definition of the nation’s states post-independence.

He highlighted that the relations between the two nations are deeply rooted in the cultural similarities between the two nations.

Mr Masisi noted with satisfaction that progress has been made in deepening cooperation in a number of areas including energy, defence justice and security, education, culture and tourism and many other sectors. He highlighted that the two countries strategic partnership remains strong as epitomised by their strong commitment in contributing towards the advancement of the regional and continental development agenda.

The Vice President stated that it is therefore not surprising that Botswana and Lesotho continue to have common positions and similar approaches to the multifaceted challenges that the two countries currently face.

The positive achievements, he said, goes to demonstrate that there are regular follow-ups by the respective sectors of the two countries, hence commended senior officials for closely following up on the commitments made by both countries.

For his part, Lesotho Minister of Water Affairs and Head of the Delegation, Mr Sekonyane Ntsekele expressed gratitude towards the warm reception accorded to them by government of Botswana.

He said it was pleasing to note that the bilateral relation between the two country’s dates back to the colonial era rooted within strong historical ties which have laid a solidity foundation for strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries and assisting in fostering regional integration and greater cohesion.

He said Lesotho would forever be grateful of the deep and entrenched relations between the two countries, hence would do whatever it takes to further cement the relationship going forward.

Mr Ntsekele further applauded the outstanding bilateral relations that exist between Botswana and Lesotho, adding that he highly valued the relationship between the two countries and regards Botswana as a special friend in the region with similar cultural values. He said there were viable opportunities to enhance mutual knowledge and understanding between the two countries through the establishment of political consultations as well as through bilateral cooperation. ENDS