The first Iceland Ambassador to Lesotho, Dr Sigridur Duna Kristmundsdottir presented her credentials to King Letsie III at the Royal Palace on Thursday.

Presenting her credentials, Dr Kristmundsdottir called upon Lesotho's support on Iceland candidature to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for period 2009-2010.

The Ambassador-Designate expressed her government's gratitude to Lesotho for her decision in supporting Iceland, noting that Iceland has been a member of the United Nations since 1946, but this is the first time she puts forward a candidature for UN Security Council. Dr Kristmundsdottir added therefore, that Lesotho's support for Iceland is highly appreciated.

She promised that if Iceland succeeds to seat on the Council, it will certainly pay due heed to Africa and its interests, adding that since the foundation of Icelandic International Development Agency in 1981, Iceland has concentrated its bilateral development co-operation in Africa and Africa continues to be its largest partner in this field.

Through its engagement on the African continent, she said, Iceland also hopes to identify possibilities for its private investment in Africa, public or private partnership and business to business partnerships.

Dr Kristmundsdottir expressed hope that Iceland will contribute in yet another way to Africa's social and economic development by engaging the flourishing Icelandic business community on the continent.

Dr Kristmundsdottir is the first Ambassador of Iceland to present letters of credence to Lesotho since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1983.

Accepting the ambassador's letters of credence, the King said Lesotho considers Iceland Ambassador to Lesotho as a clear testimony of the country's desire to maintain and strengthen further bonds of friendship and solidarity, which have, over the years existed between the two countries.

The King further said Lesotho acknowledges Iceland’s effort to gain a non permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council as a major step. He said Lesotho, like her regional counterparts yearns for the freedom of the United Nations so that it is more representative of its members than the present situation.

The King said the government of Lesotho also welcomes the contribution made by Iceland International Development Agency to Africa's development efforts.

This gesture and solidarity, he said will not only lay a solid basis for a deeper understanding and friendship between the continent of Africa and Iceland, but will serve to enable Africa to attain some of her development aspirations.

Source : LENA 06/09/2007