The Indonesian Embassy in South Africa says there is a need to further entrench existing relations between Indonesia and Lesotho.

This has been mentioned by the Head of Information, Social and Cultural Affairs in Pretoria-based the Indonesian Embassy, Mr. Fred Panggabean, who is currently on a three-day visit to Lesotho, along with the embassy's Head of Economic Affairs, Mr. Asa Silalahi.

Mr. Panggabean says the purpose of their visit is to explore areas of possible cooperation in business, arts and cultural training with various local community-based organisations.

He said they would also identify the potentials in Lesotho that Indonesia can promote, such as products that can be marketed and possibly exported to Indonesia, while at the same time establishing market opportunities for Indonesian products in Lesotho.

He said Indonesia has had long and good relations with Lesotho that had been restricted to a diplomatic level hence this country is looking to expand and strengthen these relations.

Mr. Panggabean said Indonesia will be offering Basotho opportunities to study in Indonesian institutions.

He said it is his country's vision that the establishment of trade links between the two countries could eventually see citizens of these countries setting up businesses in either country.

The Indonesian delegation heads back to South Africa on Wednesday.

Source: LENA 27/11/2007