Relations between Lesotho and China were further strengthened during the signing of three agreements by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning and the Assistant Minister of Commerce of China on Friday at the Ministry of Finance Boardroom.

The first agreement is on Economic and Technical Cooperation in the form of a financial grant of M19 million provided by the government of China to Lesotho for 2007.

The second agreement is on protocol on Writing Off the remaining debt of M44 million, which funded construction of the Manthabiseng Convention Centre.

The last agreement is on exchange of letters on construction of two rural schools (Primary schools) to be decided by the two governments and funded with M9.62 million financial grant signed in 2006.

Speaking on behalf of the government, the Minister of Finance, Dr Timothy Thahane said the signing of agreements is a clear indication that China is committed is supporting African countries including Lesotho.

'China's foreign policy is based on friendship and the agreements today are a clear indication of that friendship,' he said.

Dr Thahane promised China that he will work hard to ensure that the money is used for the purpose it is intended for.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Commerce in China, Mr. Fu Ziying said the agreements are part of his government efforts to support developing countries economically.

'This is also a follow up to the Beijing Summit of China-Africa Cooperation Forum, which was held in China last year.

To-date, the government of China has provided M255 million to Lesotho in the form of financial grants and loans.


Source: LENA 21/09/2007

Source: LENA 21/09/2007