PRESIDENT'S VISIT IS HISTORY - PM
	Maseru, June 13 - The Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili hosted an official dinner in honour of the visiting President of Ireland, Mrs. Mary Mc Aleese at Maseru Sun on Monday. Speaking at the occasion Mr. Mosisili said the visit of the Ireland President is indeed historical to the government of Lesotho and Basotho at large saying the President's visit is the clear testimony of strong bonds of friendship and fruitful cooperation existing between Lesotho and the Republic of Ireland. He explained that the visit marks a step forward of continued relations between the two countries as they share a number of similarities adding that Lesotho's economy like that of Ireland economy depends mainly in exports from South Africa. Mr. Mosisili further stated that Lesotho recognizes with appreciation the contributions made by Ireland in its efforts for economic development that include the construction of rural roads and water supply systems. He said it is also aware of other areas covered by Irish Development in areas such as health, Education HIV AIDS and Governance saying Lesotho is grateful for all these forms of support and assistance. He asked the President and her government to take full cognizance of the frightening scourge of HIV/AIDS pandemic which is threatening to wipe off the entire African continent including Lesotho adding that the population of Lesotho is roughaged by the pandemic and it requires concerted efforts to overcome the situation. Mr. Mosisili added that he is aware that Lesotho does not stand alone in tackling this challenge but have the support of friendly countries like the Republic of Ireland in the struggle to combat the disease through the Global Fund, which Ireland is the major donor. Responding to the Prime Minister speech, President Mc Aleese said Ireland has had a long connection with Lesotho and it has been demonstrated by many visits by the ministers of Lesotho to Ireland and the Irish ministers to Lesotho as well as the accreditation of the first Ireland Ambassador to Lesotho last month. She pledged continued support to Lesotho saying the two countries have so many things and experiences in common, which makes easier for them to better understand each other. She added that Ireland is very much connected to countries which are in the journey of development adding that one of the examples is of the Irish Aid, which has been working in Lesotho for the past 30 years now in a wide range of developmental projects. 'To see 100, 000 orphans due to HIV/AIDS is heart breaking and Ireland is currently working with the Ministry of Health in the fight against the pandemic,' she explained. Mrs. Mc Aleese further stated that one of Ireland provinces called Kerry will be responsible and work together with Lesotho in the fields of exchange programmes of students and in promoting Lesotho's tourism. President Mary Mc Aleese arrived in Lesotho on Sunday on three day official visit.
	Source: LENA