His Majesty King Letsie III says there is need for Lesotho and Swaziland being the least developed countries in the region, to expand areas of cooperation.

Speaking at a state banquet in honour of His Majesty King Mswati III, in Maseru on Wednesday, His Majesty said the two Kingdoms have a long history of cooperation in various fields particularly in education.

He said despite the policy changes that have taken place over the years, students from the two countries continue to study in each other's institutions of higher learning without hindrance.

He expressed hope that the two countries will work together to broaden areas of cooperation to include others such as health, agriculture, natural resources and trade and industry.

He said it is worth noting that the two countries have made progress in promoting democracy and regional cooperation as they (countries) hold general elections at predictable intervals where the general populace is given a chance to elect their leadership which will lead them for certain period of time.

Speaking at the same occasion His Majesty King Mswati III said Lesotho has made great strides and progress since his last visit in the country a few years ago, saying the country's water and housing projects as well as road infrastructure are clear testimony of proper planning, determination and commitment that Basotho has as a nation.

The Katse Dam project, he said, with its flourishing downstream development potential continues to be a hope to Basotho with regard to income generation, adding that the 'boom in the country's mining industry is already attracting some of the leading investors'.

King Mswati further stated that peace, safety and security are paramount factors in the creation of an environment that is conducive to sustainable development and wealth creation for all the peoples of the region.

“Time has come for us as Africans to demonstrate to the world that we can manage our affairs as our people can only unleash their full potential under conditions of peace and security, where they would be guaranteed as beneficiaries of their hard work,” he added.

He concluded by extending his gratitude to the people of Lesotho in particular the Basotho women for sharing appropriate technology of the booming Vaseline project with the Swazi women, which he said has become popular.

His Majesty King Mswati arrived in Lesotho on Wednesday on a three-day state visit and his delegation comprises one of his wives, Queen Inkhosikati Lantentesa.

Source: LENA 10/04/2008