TRACTORS TO ENHANCE SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa says tractors from Libya have come during Lesotho's serious struggle against the famine crisis, and will promote larger agricultural production that will enhance chances of more sustainable programme of food production. The Minister said this during a handing over ceremony of 15 tractors and their equipment that include ploughs and planters, donated to Lesotho by the Libyan government held at Ha Foso on Monday 14 October,2002 He noted that the tractors will contribute to government's target to eradicate poverty which has hit most Basotho by developing the agricultural field.

The Minister further indicated that the relevant support from Libya has not come as a surprise, adding that cooperation between the two countries has included the training of members of the Lesotho Defence Force, even several delegations from Lesotho have been to Libya while at the same time Libya has sent promotion missions to Lesotho. He said Libyan delegations that visited the country were able to hold discussions with several government ministries and Non-Governmental Organizations with a view to establishing trade between Lesotho and Libya and to assess investment opportunities in the country.

The Minister concluded by mentioning that over the years, Basotho have shared common positions with Libya, saying these include among others, the fight against the system of apartheid in South Africa, even the sharing of the common understanding with Libya in the United Nations System and most importantly, the independence of African States in Organization Of African Unity and now the African Union.

Officially handing over the tractors, Charge D' Affairs of Libya Mr. Mohammed Algamudi said the donation is a clear sign of devotion and commitment of the Libyan Authorities to further expand and deepen diplomatic relations which have become a reality between the two countries. He said in delivering the tractors, the Libyan Authorities reaffirm their commitment to assist the government and the people of Lesotho to overcome the current situation of famine.

He concluded by expressing his pleasure over the donation saying it should be taken as a mark to deepen the relationship between the two countries. Accepting the donation, the Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Cooperative and Land Reclamation Mr. Molise Ts'eole said the tractors have come at the moment of need, saying the tractors and their machinery will be used to boost  agricultural production.

Mr. Ts'eole said the machinery will further be used to improve timeous production of crops to avoid a recurrence of a similar situation of food shortage as has been experienced in Lesotho this year. The occasion was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Heads of Diplomatic Corps and senior government officials.

14 October,2002