We are gathered here to bid farewell to our dear friend Bill at the end of his diplomatic assignment to Lesotho in which all of us agree, I am sure, that he acquitted himself with distinction.  It is thus sad for us to part with someone whom we had come to regard as one of our own.  But such is the nature of diplomatic life, when duty calls elsewhere, we have to move on.  We have no doubt in our minds that Bill will continue to have the interests of Lesotho at heart and represent us despite other responsibilities that the Irish Government assigns him.  We wish you and your family Godspeed in all your future endeavours. 

Mr. Consul General, 

The links between Lesotho and Ireland have of course developed deep historical roots and continue to thrive on an expanding relationship.  Your country continues to provide significant development support for Lesotho’s programmes in areas as varied as universal basic education, public service reform, the fight against HIV/AIDS and the extension of basic services to the rural poor, to mention but a few.  We are most grateful for this Irish assistance, and as Lesotho tackles these huge challenges, she will continue to value Irish partnership. 

In February this year I accompanied the Right Honourable the Prime Minister on his first official visit to Ireland where he exchanged views with the Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern on issues of mutual interest between our two countries.  The Right Honourable the Prime Minister also officially inaugurated Lesotho’s Embassy in Dublin that signifies our permanent presence in Ireland. 

Mr. Consul General, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

The first official visit by the Lesotho Head of Government to Ireland was a landmark in the relations between the two countries.  It also marked a turning point in the relations as it explored and opened dialogue in new areas that were not previously taken on board.  Such new areas are the provision of technical expertise in the area of tourism; partnership with the Irish Chamber of Commerce, which can assist with the development of small and medium scale industries in the short term and could also translate into an opportunity for business partnerships in the long-term.  I am happy to note that as a direct consequence of the interest generated by the visit, the Chief Executive of the Ireland Chamber of Commerce was here last month (June) to assess the situation on the ground. 

We are thus immensely gratified with the solid partnership that Ireland has offered over the years, and in the last four years  Mr. Consul  General,  it  has  not  escaped us that you were personally very instrumental in this partnership.  Let me therefore reiterate our sadness in having to part with you and wish you bon voyage. 

Finally may I now invite you, Mr. Consul General and all the Distinguished Guests, to raise your glasses and join me in proposing a toast to the good health and personal well-being of President Mary McAleese of the Republic of Ireland and to the continued success, peace and prosperity of the people of Ireland. 

TO THE PRESIDENT!!!!!

02 August 2005