Lesotho has in the past benefited immensely from Canada's assistance under the umbrella of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) dealing with sexual abuse, organization of trade unions and dispute resolution at factory level.

King Letsie III said this when accepting letters of credence from Canadian High Commissioner to Lesotho, Ms. Ruth Archibald at the Royal Palace in Maseru on Thursday.

The King expressed gratitude over the decision of Canadian government to facilitate access of products originating from developing countries like Lesotho by lifting tariffs and quotas. He added that, "Lesotho will take full advantage of this opportunity into the Canadian market".

The King thanked Canada for the support and cooperation it provides to Lesotho for accelerating the fight against HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, and other related diseases and assured the High Commissioner that the government of Lesotho will extend all the necessary support to her during her tenure of office.

Presenting her letters of credence, Ms Archibald said Canadians are aware of the most pressing challenges faced by Lesotho that includes food security and HIV/AIDS but however, applauded the initiatives taken by the government to address these challenges.

She pledged to perform her duty according to the mission and to strengthen the good relations between the two countries during her tenure of office.

SOURCE: LENA 02/08/2007