PRESS RELEASE

In an effort to enhance and deepen the good relations which exist between Lesotho and India, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, the Hon. Mohlabi Tsekoa led the Lesotho delegation to the Senior Officials Meeting of the two countries, held in New Delhi, India from 8 - 11 March, 2010.

The meeting is aimed at consolidating and strengthening the friendly relations and cooperation existing between the two countries, and to review progress on the Joint Bilateral Commission of Cooperation (JBCC) which was signed in 2004 during the high level visit undertaken by the Right Honourable the Prime Minister Mr Pakalitha Mosisili. Lesotho will also explore other areas of mutually beneficial cooperation not covered by the JBCC such as collaboration on professionalization of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service.

The first session of Lesotho-India JBCC was held in New Delhi in March 2009, the Minutes of which formed the programme of cooperation in various sectors that the two countries have to implement. The programme is to be reviewed on a biennial basis.

The March 2009 Session resulted in the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for implementation of the following projects:

• Pan African e-network Project which aims to provide e-services with priority on tele-education, tele-medicine and VVIP’s connectivity;
• The establishment of an IT Centre at the Lerotholi Polytechnic;
• The opening of US$ 4.7 million Credit Line for setting up a vocational training centre in Lesotho for the empowerment of women and youth.

In 2004, following the Rt. Hon. the Prime Minister’s visit to India, Lesotho established a resident diplomatic mission in New Delhi.

The Hon. Tsekoa’s delegations is made up of:
1. PS Foreign Mr Tebello Metsing;
2. PS Home Affairs Mr Lefa Mokotjo; and
3. Minister Counsellor Asia Desk Ms Thakane Adoro.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations 08/03/2010