His Majesty King Letsie III received letters of credence of the High Commissioner of Botswana to Lesotho and Ambassador of Algeria to Lesotho at the Royal Palace in Maseru on Thursday.

They are Mrs. Motlhagodi Molomo of Botswana and Mr. Mourad Bencheikh of Algeria.

His Majesty said Botswana and Lesotho are bound by a common history, language and culture adding that a shared history and heritage forms a strong foundation for present and future cooperation and collaboration in various spheres of human endeavour.

He said Basotho and Batswana are one people and have in the past collaborated by intervening in each other's territories in times of political crises and disturbances.

He said the official visits which were exchanged between the two countries by him and the Prime Minister Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili and Botswana President Festus Mogae in the past years demonstrated desire to maintain and further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various spheres of human endeavour in both countries.

On the other hand, the High Commissioner of Botswana to Lesotho Mrs. Molomo said Botswana is determined to ensure that the existing relations between the two countries which face common challenges are maintained for mutual benefit.

She said her country will work towards the development of people in both countries and ensure that issues relating to economy, local government and education are improved.

Accepting credentials from the Algerian Ambassador to Lesotho, the His Majesty said Algeria is a source of inspiration to many countries in the African continent for a positive role it played towards the liberation of the African continent.

He assured that the ties of friendship that exist in both countries are maintained for an everlasting bilateral relations, adding that Lesotho appreciates the support and assistance offered by Algeria on numerous ways particularly training of Lesotho Defence Force members.

He noted with appreciation 2 000 tons of rice donated through the World Food Programme at a time of dire need in 2003 and M17 million offered to six Southern African countries including Lesotho in 2005.

In 2006 Lesotho also received an amount of M3 500 000 from Algeria, part of the money was used towards purchasing of snow ploughs in Lesotho, he said.

His Majesty further said the imperative envisaged by the bilateral commission on economic and technical cooperation between the two countries is speedily implemented for mutual benefit of people in both countries.

Algerian Ambassador Mr. Bencheikh said both countries are deeply attached to democracy for the improvement of their communities.

He said Algeria is determined to work towards achieving the everlasting peace, security and solidarity, noting that if there is no peace and security, there is no development.

He also pledged that he will perform duties as assigned during his tenure of office.

Source: LENA 17/01/2008