Pres Ramaphosa encouraged by progress made in Lesotho

Sunday, February 5, 2023

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Lesotho Prime Minister, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane have held bi-lateral discussions on the progress being made in the Kingdom of Lesotho since the Prime Minister’s ascension to office.

 President Ramaphosa hosted Prime Minister Matekane at his official residence at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, Pretoria on Saturday, where they had a bi-lateral discussions.

Both leaders also affirmed their commitment towards strengthening the historic bilateral relations between the two countries.

President Ramaphosa reiterated his well wishes to Matekane for his electoral success and his appointment as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, as well as the formation of the new government.

“The successes recorded thus far towards the conclusion of the national reforms process is encouraging. I believe that, as per the Prime Minister’s undertaking, the new government will expedite its efforts and complete all outstanding matters to finalise the reform process and pass the outstanding Constitutional Amendment Bill,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President also expressed his personal commitment and South Africa`s continued readiness to support Basotho on the journey towards the Lesotho that the Basotho want.

On bilateral ties and friendship, South Africa attaches immense value to the bilateral cooperation with the Kingdom of Lesotho. In this regard, President Ramaphosa undertook to convene the inaugural Bi-National Commission (BNC) at a mutually agreed date in 2023.

The leaders further affirmed their commitments to multilateral institutions, including their support of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).

President Ramaphosa voiced his gratitude for the Kingdom’s contribution to SAMIM.  – SAnews.gov.za