The Minister indicated that the ambassadors and High Commissioners, who assembled at the National Convention Centre for consultations, which they have been summoned for, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the government, should always remember that they are working for a country that is small, but that has a great  potential of developing. Mr Tsekoa, stated that the ambassadors and High Commissioners are the ones who can unlock that potential through establishing working relations for Lesotho with other developed countries." Your role and responsibility abroad is to portray positive image of Lesotho internationally, and to help this country track itself out the least developed countries", Mr. Tsekoa emphasised.

The other challenges, which the Minister said the heads of Lesotho Missions abroad face is to use the human recourses under their care, well, to fight corruption especially bribery, misuse of public funds and drugs trafficking, and to protect the image of Lesotho abroad.

He told them about the successes, which the country has attained and among them he mentioned peace and stability, reconstruction of torched cities, general elections and deepening democracy, and war against corruption.  The  laying of foundations and development of Vision 2020, the Local Government Elections, which the government is pushing urgent plans on, to ensure their implementation, and the Joint Bilateral  Commission of Cooperation between Lesotho and South Africa, were mentioned by Mr. Tsekoa as the future priorities for Lesotho.

In response, the Dean of the Lesotho's Envoys, Ambassador, Professor L.Moleko pledged his team's unwavering support to the Minister and his Principal Secretary, Mr. Motlatsi Ramafole.  Professor Moleko indicated that it is when they work together in harmony that they can reap success in servicing the nation effectively. He added that the consultations came at a very appropriate time following a clear mandate that the nation has given the Minister to guide them in the next five years." This team is ready to be deployed the best way you see fit. As the manager, please point the direction that you would like to see us go", said the Ambassador.

The envoys paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Pakalitha Mosisili on Monday, and they will pay a courtesy call on King Letsie III in groups from Tuesday until Friday. During the five-day consultations, the envoys will be briefed on the current government policies on different sectors. They will be given new responsibilities, guidelines and instructions by the government, and on the other hand will give to the government their mission's reports.

29 July, 2002