CANADA AND LESOTHO HAVE WARM RELATIONS- SCRIMSHAW
	Maseru, June 29 - Lesotho and Canada have a warm and long standing relationship, hence the presence of Paediatric doctors from Canada working in Lesotho, the outgoing High Commissioner for Canada to Lesotho, Ms Sandelle Scrimshaw ha said. In an interview with LENA, Ms Scrimshaw said Canada has been involved in funding local institutions and supporting community development project in Lesotho. Ms Scrimshaw indicated that Canada has also provided support through United Nations (UN) and other multi lateral initiatives in support of Lesotho's efforts to ensure food security for its people. She stated that during her tour to Lesotho, she has recognized that the economic development must be private sector driven and as a result, the two countries have signed an agreement to provide free market access to Canada for Lesotho's exports. She said there is a high growth in exports to Canada, as Canada wants to build on a success, by further strengthening mutual beneficial commercial relations. She further mentioned that Lesotho and Canada share membership on a number of international organizations, including Commonwealth, United Nations (UN), saying these two countries serve together on the common wealth ministerial action group and most recently on a newly created rights council. She indicated that Canada is hoping to work hand in hand with Lesotho for the promotion and protection of human rights and for the strengthening of the democratic development as well as the rule of law. She expressed particular appreciation for the decision taken by the government of Lesotho to re-open High Commission in Ottawa and offered the full support of the government of Canada. She conveyed her appreciation to the government of Lesotho for demonstrating both vision and leadership in tackling the challenges faced by the country, particularly on HIV/AIDS including the launch of 'Know your status Campaign'. She concluded by lauding Lesotho for the commitment to the full implementation of its Poverty Reduction Strategy and considerable investment in education and initiatives that are being taken to create a conducive environment for its people. She has been in based in Lesotho for 3 years and stayed in Pretoria, South Africa.
	Source: LENA