The Government of Lesotho and the People’s Republic of China signed  a M24 million grant agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offices on Monday 15 July, 2002.

 Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa who signed the agreement on behalf of the government of Lesotho, said “By this agreement the People’s of Republic of China have agreed to provide to the government of Lesotho a grant, which will be used to purchase 2,000 tons of yellow maize grain, and to fund projects agreed upon by the two governments”. The Minister of Foreign Affairs showed that Lesotho continues to benefit from China’s generous interventions in areas of strategic importance to the development initiatives.

“Our people are the single most important resource requiring priority attention. China’s timely interventions strengthen our resolve to work even harder to achieve sustainable development.” He added. Mr. Tsekoa, further indicated that it is through the kind assistance of the Chinese government that Lesotho was able to have the National Convention Center, the Computer Laboratory in the National University of Lesotho (NUL) and the Butha-Buthe Industrial Park, which is now under construction and many others.

He also pointed out that the visit of the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Mr. Yang Wenchang to Lesotho at this post-general election period is indicative of the importance that the government of the People’s Republic of China attaches to their bilateral relation and co-operation. He said, he believes that this visit would be pivotal in defining new and enhanced strategies for further development of Lesotho and People’s Republic of China.

Speaking at the same occasion the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister, Mr. Wenchang, said he hopes that this grant, which the Chinese government has made to Lesotho, would help to strengthen the profound friendship between the two governments. Mr. Wenchang further claimed that his government would continue to support Lesotho in various projects for the benefit of Lesotho’s development.