The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Dr Motloheloa Phooko congratulated the Americans for their independence and cooperation with other countries including Lesotho.

Dr Phooko commended the Americans at a ceremony to celebrate the 233rd anniversary of the United States of America (USA) in Maseru on Wednesday, where he said, "The freedom which countries gain through independence is a central pillar of which democracy has been built."

He thanked the United States government for its dedication and tremendous commitment to assist Lesotho to tackle some of its challenges concerning the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Meanwhile, as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, the government together with the US Embassy in Maseru will sign the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) framework partnership in August this year.

Dr Phooko also commended the Peace Corp volunteers for a pivotal role they play in various fields of development in the country for many years.

He appealed to both countries to continue helping each other to address the challenges facing the nations for a better living.

Speaking at the same occasion, the US Ambassador to Lesotho, Mr. Robert Nolan pledged commitment of the American government to assist Lesotho with emphasis on health and HIV/AIDS prevention.

He said the PEPFAR framework which will be signed soon has four specific goals to be reached by the year 2014, and they include reducing HIV/AIDS incidences in Lesotho by 35 percent, assisting the health and social welfare system to provide quality HIV/AIDS care, treatment and support services to all age groups.

Other areas to be covered are to improve and increase human resource capacity for HIV/AIDS as well as helping the government health management system to deliver HIV services more effectively.

Mr. Nolan said America is still dedicated to the principles set forth when the country was founded that all people are created equal.

He stated that the American ideal of democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people.

He thanked the Lesotho government for existing bonds of friendship with the US government, saying they should continue working together in a long journey towards a brighter future.

America gained independence from the British colonies on July 04 in 1776.

Source: LENA 01/07/2009