Accepting High Commissioner Ms Sandelle Scrimshaw's letters of credence t the Royal Palace in Maseru on February 24, the King said the decision of the government of Lesotho to re-open a High Commission in Canada is a demonstration of the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation existing between the two countries.

Every year, the two countries have entered into agreements for cooperation, covering such areas  as HIV/AIDS, support to local communities, development of Small and Medium Enterprises and, human rights and democracy.

"Our country is faced with enormous challenges including the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the humanitarian crisis resulting from the serious drought that the Southern African region has experienced in the past recent years. We are indeed gratified to note that as we tackle these challenges, we can count on the support of your government" King said.

Lesotho as one of the founding members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) , fully subscribes to the philosophy of regional cooperation and economic integration as a basis for individual and collective socio-economic and political advancement of the SADC countries.

In her turn, High Commissioner Scrimshaw said Canada has observed with satisfaction Lesotho's efforts at strengthening and consolidating democracy. She applauded the success of the country in devising the new electoral model adopted in 2002.

Ms Scrimshaw said there is scope for increased trade between the two countries, noting how the government of Canada has lifted tariffs and quotas on most imports from a large number of developing countries including Lesotho.

Lesotho has a positive role to play in regional and global multilateral affairs since the Commonwealth and its institutions provide a particularly valuable vehicle for cooperation between
Canada and Lesotho in many areas, the High Commissioner said.

25 February 2005