The United Nations (UN) Day was celebrated at Lesotho Sun in Maseru on Wednesday.

The ceremony to mark the Day that has been celebrated since 1948 was attended by amongst others Cabinet Ministers and the Acting UN Resident Coordinator.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Acting Minister of Finance and Development Planning said UN relationship and commitment in Lesotho, contributes significantly in attainment of the country's Millennium Development Goals.

Mr. Semano Sekatle said UN supported the formulation and implementation of the National Action Plan on Women and Girls in the country, in the preparation of the Vision 2020 document as well as the Poverty Reduction Strategy.

The minister said, over the past years, UN collaborated with the government through the Ministry of Health to ensure that the Know Your Status (KYS) Campaign is carried throughout the country.

He expressed hope that though HIV/AIDS pandemic threatens the attainment of Millennium Development Goals, the country will overcome the challenge through UN technical and medical support.

The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Dr Motloheloa Phooko appreciated the solidarity extended by UN in responding to the recent food crisis and in participation in the electoral processes of the country.

The Acting UN Resident Coordinator and WHO Representative, Dr. Angela Bensons said the commemoration is meant to reaffirm UN system's commitment to continue working in partnership with the government of Lesotho.

Dr Benson stated that the newly signed UN Development Assistance Framework for 2008-2012 will help set the stage for preparation of new UN country programmes and projects in Lesotho.

"Lesotho became a member of the United Nations on 17th October 1966 after gaining its Independence, and the purpose of the United Nations as set out in the UN Charter is to maintain International Peace and Security", she noted.

Source: LENA 24/10/2007