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The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa says Lesotho and
Germany have striking similarities in many respects because of their unique
geographic positions and strategic national interests and both have worked
closely over the years to strengthen sound economic cooperation.
Speaking during a celebration to mark the twelfth Anniversary of German Unity
held at Lesotho Sun on Wednesday 23 October, 2002, the Minister said
Basotho have reaped fruitful benefits in areas such as education, governance
and decentralization through local government from the German Government. He
pointed out that the two countries have also tirelessly devoted their energies
to the consolidation of democracy and democratic institutions, clarifying
that the general elections held in Lesotho in May this year and Germany last
month, bear testimony to this
He said while Lesotho boasts of a more
representative and more inclusive Parliament following the implementation of
the Mixed Member Proportional model, Germany has demonstrated her commitment
to democracy by having the Social Democratic party form a coalition
government with the Green Party.
He said the reunification of Germany was achieved after several decades
of forced separation with repressive rule was imposed on large sections of
the German population. He further clarified that effectively, Germany had
been divided into two countries, namely the Federal and Democratic Republics
of Germany, but reunited in 1989 following the end of the cold war, and said
the celebration therefore, carries a great global significance.
He concluded by wishing that the celebration will be a reminder of the indispensable
values of peace, harmony, stability and development which are key to the
survival of the planet, saying that the reunification of Germany is a
shining example of how mankind shall manage his affairs if posterity is to
have a respectable heritage.
At the occasion, the Ambassador of Germany to Lesotho Mrs. Anna-Margareta
Peters said mathematically, Lesotho is three times more experienced and wiser
than Germany, for Germany has only been reunited 12 years, while Lesotho has
been independent for the past 36 years. She said Lesotho gave proof to
wisdom this year when free, fair and democratic elections were held in May,
while Germany followed in September this year.
She said as part of international obligation, Germany considers the close cooperation
with Lesotho, saying that Germany will therefore, follow with great interest
the implementation of Vision 2020 and will contribute for instance, in the
areas of decentralized rural development. Present at the occasion were the
President of the Senate, Speaker of National Assembly, Chief Justice,
Cabinet Ministers and heads of Diplomatic Corps.
23 October, 2002
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