Lesotho welcomes new Chinese ambassador

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…revealed that China-Africa trade has reached a record high of $282 billion

mollempesi

The famous Avani Maseru Hotel was a hub of elegance and excitement on Tuesday evening as dignitaries gathered in their finery to welcome the new Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Lesotho, Yang Xiaokum.

The grand reception reflected the deepening relationship between China and Africa and marked the record high of China-Africa trade volume, which reached a staggering $282.1 billion last year.

Reflecting the optimistic and forward-looking spirit of the day’s events, guests of honour included Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Lejone Mpotjoane, Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation Nthati Moorosi, Minister of Natural Resources Mohlomi Moleko, Minister of Labour and Employment Tšeliso Mokhosi, Minister of Environment and Forestry Letsema Adontši, Minister of Health Selibe Mochoboroane, Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development Mokhethi Shelile, Minister of Law and Justice Richard Ramoeletsi and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Limpho Tau all dressed up for the event.

Ambassador Shokum, who returned to Africa after 30 years, was dressed in a blue suit and tie, full of confidence and authority, with the demeanor of a politician. Ambassador Shokum arrived in Lesotho on June 28, 2024, taking over the term of the former ambassador, Lake Zhong. This marks a new chapter in China-Lesotho relations, and the relationship between the two countries will continue to develop and cooperate.

In his speech, Ambassador Shawkum stressed that in the 24 years since its establishment, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has achieved remarkable results as a platform for collective dialogue and cooperation.

“In 2023, China-Africa trade volume reached an all-time high of US$282.1 billion, 26 times that of 2000. By the end of 2022, China’s direct investment stock in Africa exceeded US$40 billion, nearly a hundred times more than in 2000.”

“Chinese companies have completed contracted projects worth more than $400 billion across Africa, and more than 3,300 Chinese companies have invested and started businesses in African countries.

“In Lesotho, signature projects of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) include the Parliament House, the National Library, the Mantebiseng Conference Centre and the Lesotho-China Friendship College. Other notable projects include the Mafiteng Solar Power Plant, the Maseru District Hospital and Eye Clinic which officially opened in May this year, and the 91km Mpiti to Sehraba-Thebi Road.”

Xiao Kum further stated that China and Africa should work together to promote the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the development strategies of African countries under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

“China’s initiatives at the FOCAC conference, such as agricultural modernization, industrialization and human resource training, are very much in line with Lesotho’s priorities. Lesotho is currently formulating a new national development strategy that focuses on increasing the value-added and sustainable development capabilities of its industries.”

He also stressed that China and Africa have unique historical cultures and governance concepts, and exchanges and mutual learning are constantly deepening.

““Ubuntu”“Humanity” is consistent with the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind. China-Africa relations have a long history, and the peoples enjoy deep mutual understanding and friendship.

“China-Africa cooperation has penetrated deep into the grass-roots level and reached every corner of the African continent. Under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China has provided more than 100,000 government scholarships, established more than 60 Confucius Institutes and about 50 Confucius Classrooms, and dispatched 20,000 medical teams to provide treatment for about 200 million patients on the African continent,” he said.

He pointed out that China has provided Lesotho with more than 300 scholarships and 4,200 short-term training opportunities.

“We opened a Confucius classroom in Lesotho and sent 18 medical teams. These teams have treated more than 200,000 patients and delivered more than 10,000 newborns.”

The Ambassador’s speech was met with nods of approval from the guests present, who felt the warmest hospitality of Lesotho.

Minister Mpojona spoke of the thriving partnership between Lesotho and China, noting that both countries have made progress in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, education and health.

“We are optimistic that under your leadership, the friendship between Lesotho and China will scale new heights, bringing tangible benefits to both countries.

“In recent years, the partnership between the Kingdom of Lesotho and the People’s Republic of China has flourished in various fields including infrastructure construction, education, health, agriculture, energy and people-to-people exchanges.

“Looking forward, we recognise the importance of governance communication to build a transparent and accountable system that benefits all Basotho people,” Mpojone said.

He said the Government of Lesotho was firmly committed to fighting corruption and upholding good governance, and that Lesotho looked forward to participating in the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit to be held in Beijing in September.

“We are committed to promoting good governance, the rule of law and fighting corruption. Ambassador, your role is crucial in facilitating dialogue and exchange, which strengthens our governance frameworks and enables us to share best practices.

“I stand before you today, wholeheartedly embracing this ideal that transcends national boundaries and unites humanity in the pursuit of peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

“Taking into account the initiatives put forward by your country, namely the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative, which are frameworks to promote cooperation and address global challenges. We are optimistic that the paths and corridors are opening up towards a brighter future.

“We look forward to participating in the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation next month. Let us embrace these initiatives and work together to build an open, inclusive, sustainable world that reflects our shared values ​​and aspirations,” said Mr. Mpojona.