United States of America ambassador designate, Mrs. June Carter Perry, presented her credentials to King Letsie III on September 23. Mrs Perry succeeds former ambassador Mr. Robert Loftis whose four-year term expired earlier this year

Welcoming Mrs. Perry to Lesotho, King Letsie III expressed appreciation of the United States of America's support for Lesotho's efforts to deepen democracy, promote the culture of tolerance and observe the rule of law in the country.

King Letsie III said the long term benefits of democratic governance are so appealing that no amount of labour and sacrifice is too great to ensure its continuous success and sustainability.

Mrs. Perry's accreditation comes at the time when Lesotho, like many other African countries, is faced with the problem of HIV/AIDS. African countries are gratified by the generous contributions made by the United States through USAID and the Red Cross Society and also welcome Ambassador Perry's undertaking and resolution to pick up the baton from her predecessor by assisting the country in the fight against HIV and AIDS as well as in empowering women.

The King also acknowledged the US's extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to 2015,  which he said, in Lesotho's case has not only boosted exports but has also significantly contributed to the
reduction of high unemployment rates.

The country was delighted when it was informed that it is one of the 16 countries eligible for assistance under the 'Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). Presently government is working hard to prepare its proposals for submission to the Millennium Challenge Corporation for consideration and possible funding, he said.

Presenting her letters of credence, Ambassador Perry said Lesotho is notable as an African country that has taken charge of its path towards economic development and democratic stability as well as one that has put in place many of the right fiscal, monetary and governance policies.

Mrs. Perry said a sound investment climate has enabled the country to
capitalize on the benefits provided by the AGOA as demonstrated by Lesotho's being the largest exporter of apparel to the US from sub-Saharan Africa, and the eighth largest African exporter overall.

"AGOA offers many more government opportunities for exports to the U.S., which I know the government is exploring. I seek opportunities to work with you to take even fuller advantage of AGOA to diversify and sustain Lesotho's economic and commercial base and to further develop your political, civil and governmental institutions," she added.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Perry is expected to hand over equipment worth over M450 000 donated by the American Institute of Research (AIR) to the Lesotho Distance Teaching Centre (LDTC) on September 24

In interview, Literacy and Numeracy Coordinator Mrs. Makopoi Griffiths said the equipment, which includes garden tools, carpentry kits, wind-up radios and cassettes and teaching AIDS kits will enhance the LDTC's training programmes for more than 4 020 learners who are
predominantly herd boys.

It will be used in learning centres in Berea, Leribe, Mafeteng, Thaba-Tseka and Qacha's Nek, she said.