Mountain Kingdom and United Kingdom revive bond
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By Lineo Ramatlapeng
Lesotho and the United Kingdom yesterday revived and strengthened their long bonds of friendship and through the celebration of the opening of the new resident British High Commission in Maseru.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new resident High Commission Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro said they were happily gathered to witness the important milestone.
Dr. Majoro said this marks another chapter in the development of the United Kingdom’s engagement with the Kingdom of Lesotho, which he said is the long-awaited official opening of the British High Commission in the Mountain Kingdom since the raising of the UK flag event at the High Commission.
Majoro said the opening is a clear testimony to the significance of warm and vibrant cordial diplomatic relations that exist between the two Kingdoms.
“We are also greatly honored, at this auspicious by the presence of the British Minister for Africa, Honourable Vicky Ford MP,” said the Prime Minister.
He added her excellency Ford’s presence is undoubtedly a measure of importance that the UK attaches to “our historical background as well as to our friendly relations”.
Majoro said Lesotho’s relations with the UK date as far back as 1868 when the Basotho nation became a British protectorate.
Majoro said the two Kingdoms share the same views and values on major global issues, particularly on the promotion of world peace and security, democracy, human rights, and cooperation.
“From these early contacts, our relations have blossomed steadily,” Majoro said.
Majoro said they, therefore, welcome with profound gratitude and satisfaction, the decision by the British Government to re-open the British High Commission in Maseru after a lapse of 15 years.
For her part, the UK Minister for Africa Ford said, “As we celebrate together, let us once again recommit ourselves to the urgent need to tackle the challenges which confront our two countries”.
Some of the challenges, Minister Ford said are climate change and Covid-19 and they are deeply grateful for the magnanimous contribution and support rendered to Lesotho by the UK.
Minister Ford also had the audience of His Majesty King Letsie III and they discussed humanitarian issues, climate change, #Covid19, and Security Sector Reform.
Minister Ford also visited Seboka Primary School and saw projects where the UK is funding support for access to clean water in the country.
