TSA MACHABENG

August 2013 Volume 6, Issue 1

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRSAND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

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The Royal Whirlwind Tour……………………......……..................................................................... 2

Lesotho’s Envoys Commissioned……….......…………….............................................................. 6

Credential Ceremonies…………………............………................................................................. 8

Events in pictures…………………................................................................................................... 10

JBCC in Pretoria…………............................................................................................................... 16

Europe Day 2013…………………………………………...................................................................18

FOCAC visit……………………….................................................................................................... 20

Staff Movement………………………............................................................................................. 21

*Cover Pic: Their Majesties in Austria. (Courtesy of Lesotho-Berlin)

In this Issue

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“Strengthening Bilateral Relations”. This is an oft-said phrase in diplomatic circles. It is in fact one of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations’ key objectives. Their Majesties’ recent visits to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Austria, Vienna and the United Kingdom in succession are proof that indeed the Ministry is fulfilling this goal.

His Majesty King Letsie III and Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso visited the United Arab Emirates from 29 March to 2 April, 2013, at the invitation of the Vice-Pres-ident and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum.

During the Visit to Dubai, His Majesty had an audience with the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Al-Maktoum. He also participated in the Dubai World Cup Mey-dan Racecourse. The Dubai World Cup has emerged as one of the leading horse racing events on the world stage. It was attended by Heads of State and Government of coun-tries which have diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates. Subsequent to the Dubai World Cup, His Maj-esty officially opened an Investment Promo-

THE ROYAL WHIRLWIND TOUR

His Majesty King Letsie III addressing the Indian Community in Dubai (pic: LNDC)

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THE ROYAL WHIRLWIND TOUR

tion Forum Organized by the Lesotho Na-tional Development Corporation (LNDC) and members of the Indian Community based in Dubai. The Forum invited the Indian Commu-nity in Dubai to invest in Lesotho.

The second leg of His Majesty’s trip was an of-ficial visit to the State of Kuwait where he was invited by the Emir, Sheikh Sabah, Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. During the visit, His Majes-ty had an audience with the Emir of the State of Kuwait where the two Heads of State com-mitted themselves to strengthen further the existing bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. His Majesty also had an audience with the Director-General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic De-velopment and the Director-General of the Kuwait Investment Authority. He thanked the Director-General for the unwavering support to Lesotho, particularly by funding the Meto-long Dam Project and expressed hope for more funding.

The Kuwait Fund has promised to assist Leso-tho with the construction of the Thaba-Tseka/Mokhotlong road and the revival of the Mo-shoeshoe I International Airport.The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Internation-al Relations, the Honourable Mohlabi Ken-neth Tsekoa who formed part of his Majesty’s delegation also held a meeting with his coun-terpart the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, His Excellency Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Some of the highlights of the Min-

isters’ meeting included progress made on the implementation of projects funded by the Kuwait Fund and the revival of the Joint Commission of Cooperation between Leso-tho and Kuwait.

Their Majesties proceeded to Austria, Germa-ny and the United Kingdom from 24 April to 5 May 2013. The trip began with a two-day Of-ficial Visit to the Republic of Austria on the 24-25 April, 2013 upon invitation by the Federal President, Dr. Heinz Fischer.

During His visit to Austria His Majesty met with the Federal President of the Republic of Aus-tria, the President of Parliament of Austria, Director of the National Library in Austria, the President of Austrian Chamber of Com-merce, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Chief Ex-ecutive Officer of the OPEC Fund for Interna-tional Development (OFID). His Majesty also had an opportunity to officially open the Le-sotho Business Forum, which brought togeth-er Officials from Austrian Ministries of Finance

Their Majesties arriving in Austria (pic:LNDC)

THE ROYAL WHIRLWIND TOUR

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and Foreign Affairs, Officers from the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, Lesotho’s Delega-tion, over 150 Austrian Companies from diverse and multi-faceted sectors ranging from Tour-ism, Renewable Energy, companies that sell aircrafts and aircraft parts, and also Housing and Construction Companies. The visit of His Majesty was a huge and a resounding success because during the visit Lesotho and Austria also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as a framework outlining the areas of initial bilateral Cooperation.

The visit was followed by another two-day Of-ficial Visit to Germany, where His Majesty met with the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Joachim Guack, the Mayor of the City of Berlin, Mr. Klaus Wowereit, the G8-Advisor to the Federal Chancellor, Mr.Gunte Nooke, Deputy Chair of the SADC Parliamen-tary Group in the German Parliament, the Min-ister President of the State of Lower Saxony, Mr. Stephan Weills (SPD) and the President of Parliament of the State of Lower Saxony, Mr. Bernd Buseman. His Majesty also had a break-fast Meeting with the German Business Com-munity on the 30th April, 2013.During both visits, The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, the Honourable Mohlabi Tsekoa, also met with Director of the Vienna Diplomatic Academy, Dr. Hans Win-kler, and discussions included the Academy offering assistance to the Ministry in diplomatic training.

In Germany, the Hon Tsekoa also met with the

State Secretary for the Federal Ministry of For-eign Affairs, Mr. Harald Braun. The State Sec-retary told the Minister that he was in Africa with the Federal Minister of Economic Coop-eration and Development(BMZ) early this year and the impression they have is that Africa is the continent of hope. He mentioned that Germany and Lesotho have to identify areas of bilateral cooperation. The agreement was that Germany will continue to collaborate with Lesotho on the Private Sector Develop-ment. The State Secretary informed the Hon-ourable Minister that Germany will organize a workshop on Electronic Identity and Security - E-Governance and invited Lesotho to take part at this important workshop.The Hon. Tsekoa thanked the State Secretary for the meeting and informed him that the Meeting between the Heads of State was very lively and inspiring. He emphasized the point that it is his hope that the history of relations-between the two countries can be uplifted and that the cooperation between Lesotho and Germany can continue.

(l-r)SPS to HM Mr M Lerotholi, Hon Mohlabi Tsekoa, Her Majesty, His Majesty and the Vice Chancellor of Oxford University inviting HM to address the Union.

THE ROYAL WHIRLWIND TOUR

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The Hon. Minister added that the impact of the cooperation is felt and will be big in the long run. He pointed out that private sector devel-opment is key; as it curbs unemployment and eradicates poverty.

The Minister also met with the German Minister of Economic, Labour and Transportation Af-fairs (Economics) of the Lower Saxony, Mr. Olaf Lies. During their meeting they had discussions on cooperation in Tourism, Renewable Energy, Education and Health. The State of Lower-Sax-ony will also assist Lesotho in setting up a Pae-diatric Hospital in Lesotho.The Minister of For-eign Affairs and International Relations, made a recommendation that the Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Lesotho could visit Lower

Saxony before the end of the year to map out the way forward concerning the setting up of the Pediatric Hospital in Lesotho.

His Majesty was accompanied by Her Majesty Queen ’Masenate Mohato Seeiso, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Mohlabi Kenneth Tsekoa, Minister of Trade and Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing, Mr.Temeki Phoenix Ts’olo, the Minister of Tour-ism, Environment and Culture, Mrs.Mamahele Radebe, Principal Secretaries of the said min-istries, Senior Government Officials, LNDC Of-ficers, LTDC Officers and Eleven Companies from Lesotho. The visit was a resounding suc-cess as a whole.

His Majesty addressing the Union

LESOTHO ENVOYS COMMISSIONED

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His Majesty King Letsie III recently commis-sioned five envoys as Ambassadors and High Commissioners to various countries with which Lesotho has diplomatic ties. Her Excellency Ms. Lebohang Nts’inyi has been appointed as Ambassador to The People’s Republic of China; His Excellency Adv. Kelebone Maope is Lesotho’s Permanent Representative and Am-bassador to the United Nations in New York; His Excellency Mr Nkopane Monyane is Leso-tho’s Permanent Representative and Ambas-sador to the United Nations Agencies and the WTO in Geneva, Switzerland; Her Excellency Mrs Mpeo Mahase-Moiloa is Ambassador of Lesotho to the European Union in Brussels, and last but not least, His Excellency Mr Bothata Tsikoane is Lesotho’s High Commissioner to the

Republic of India.

When delivering the charge of representing Lesotho to the various countries of accredita-tion, His Majesty said that in Lesotho’s desire to strengthen and maintain relations with the countries of accreditation, the envoys should prove themselves worthy of this honour, and represent Lesotho with honour and dignity.

In accepting His Majesty’s charge, the envoys expressed a will to discharge their duties with dedication and devotion, and added that they will remain aware of the aspirations, plans and priorities of His Majesty’s government in the development of the prosperity and well-being of the people of Lesotho.

(l-r) Acting Min of Foreign Affairs Hon Lebesa Maloi, H E Ms Lebohang Ntsinyi, His Majesty King Letsie III after the ceremony.

LESOTHO ENVOYS COMMISSIONED

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H E Mpeo Mahase-Moiloa accepting Letters of Credence from His Majesty.

His Majesty King Letsie III, HE Chief Sempe Lejaha and The Hon Mohlabi Tsekoa after the ceremony.

CREDENTIAL CEREMONIES

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High Commissioner of South Africa H.E Harris Sithembile Majeke presents his Credentials to His Majesty.

Ambassador of the Phillipines H.E. Mr Constancio Rivera V presenting his Credentials to His Majesty.

CREDENTIAL CEREMONIES

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High Commissioner of New Zealand H.E. Murray McCully chats with His Majesty after presenting credentials.

High Commissioner of Swaziland, H.E Solomon Dlamini presenting credentials to His Majesty.

EVENTS IN PICTURES

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Mrs Maope, H.E KeleboneMaope, His Majesty and Hon Lebesa Maloi.

Mrs Monyane, H.E. Nkopane Monyane, His Majesty and Hon LebesaMaloi.

EVENTS IN PICTURES

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H.E. Hu Dingxian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Hon Mohlabi Tsekoa and PS Foreign Affairs Mr J.T. Metsingat a handing-over ceremony of a food donation from China.

His Majesty, H.E. Bothata Tsikoane and The Hon Mohlabi Tsekoa.

EVENTS IN PICTURES

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H.E. Harris Sithembile Majeke inspects the Guard of Honour after presenting credentials at the Royal Palace.

The FOCAC delegation meets with PS Foreign Affairs Mr J T Metsing.

EVENTS IN PICTURES

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Their Majesties are welcomed by the Rt Hon The Prime Minister at the State Banquet in honour of His Majesty’s 50th Birthday.

H.E Robert Mugabe addressing guests at His Majesty’s State Banquet.

EVENTS IN PICTURES

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His Majesty welcomes Her Majesty Queen Mother Semane Molotlegi of the Royal Bafokeng Nation.

H.E. J Duynhouwer (EU) and H.E. Rev H S Majeke (RSA) chatting at the State Banquet.

JBCC IN PRETORIA

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The Ministerial Meeting of the JBCC was held in Pretoria, Republic of South Africa on 18 April, 2013. It was preceded by the Meeting of Se-nior Officials from 16 to 17 April, 2013. The Leso-tho delegation led by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, was constituted as follows: Hon T. Khasu - Min-ister of Mining, Hon M. Radebe - Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture, Hon T. P. Tšolo - Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon J. Molapo - Minister of Home Affairs and senior officials from various government ministries.The Objective of the Meeting was to follow-up on progress made on sectoral issues since the

last JBCC Meeting that was held in Maseru, Le-sotho in April, 2010, and to jointly draw up a Programme of Cooperation between Lesotho and South Africa for the next twelve months. This follows a decision taken by the Leaders of the two countries in October, 2012 to renew the JBCC for the next five years. It may be re-called that the JBCC 5-year term had expired in April, 2012.

The Meeting acknowledged the warm and fraternal relations that subsist between Leso-tho and South Africa and expressed commit-ment to further enhance the existing historical

PS Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mr J T Metsing at the JBCC meeting in Pretoria.

JBCC IN PRETORIA

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and cultural relations for the mutual benefit of the respective countries and peoples. It considered a wide range of bilateral, region-al and international issues. The main focus of the discussion was on the following issues amongst others:Implementation of bilateral agreements; Defence and Police Matters; Implementation of the Lesotho Highlands Wa-ter Project Phase 2 (LHWP II); Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs); Private Sector Engagement; Issues on Public Works and Infrastructure; Tourism; Labour and Health; Border Management and Dual Citizenship.

The Meeting noted that twenty-seven agree-ments and MoU’s have been signed by the two countries. There was notable progress on the implementation process of various Agree-

ments.However, more work needs to be done on others. In this regard, the Meeting resolved to develop an implementation matrix that will track the implementation of each and every signed Agreement and MoU.

On the issue of Phase II of the Lesotho High-lands Water Project, the Meeting indicated that it was crucial to expedite implementation of the Project.

It was further agreed that the two countries should work towards full implementation of the Agreement on Free Movement of People, Goods and Services between the common borders. In addition, South Africa reaffirmed her commitment to assist Lesotho on immigra-tion issues.

Hon M K Tsekoa and H E M Nkoane-Mashabane at the JBCC Meeting.

JBCC IN PRETORIA

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On Economic issues, the meeting resolved to work towards increasing economic activities that will lead to the creation of sustainable jobs. It was also agreed that there was need to work towards creating renewable energy sources in the quest to meet future predicted energy demands.The meeting emphasized the need for the two sides (Defence and Police) to continue to work together to minimise cross border crimes

particularly, stock and vehicle theft.On regional issues, the Ministers exchanged views on the prevailing political, economic and security situation in the region, in particu-lar, the situation in the Central African Repub-lic (CAR) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In this context, they re-affirmed their commitment to work together in pursuit of sustainable peace and security in the re-gion and Africa as a whole.

Hon Mohlabi Tsekoa and HE Maite Nkoane-Mashabane.

EUROPE DAY 2013

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The 2013 European Union Day celebration was as a week-long affair. This year’s theme was “Civil Society: Our Partner’’. Once again, it was marked with various activities includ-ing exhibition of activities of the civil society in partnership with the EU. The EU week culmi-nated in a Reception on 08 May 2013, hosted by the Head of The Delegation, His Excellency Mr Hans Duynhouwer, at the Lesotho Sun Ho-tel. It was preceded by a panel discussion on the motto ‘Working together’.

Addressing the invited guests at the recep-tion, His Excellency Mr Duynhouwer recalled the events of the past year (2012) around this time, when the EU Day was celebrated only a

few weeks ahead of the general elections in Lesotho, the result of which is the present day Coalition Government. He congratulated the people and government of Lesotho on the achievement, further observing that there is no better model available than that of a well-functioning parliamentary democracy.

The Ambassador sincerely hoped that at the end of the exhibitions, the civil society would be able to reflect on how its efficiency, ac-countability, governance and extension to ar-eas outside Maseru can be improved upon. The forum discussed the how best the civil so-ciety’s efforts can be put to use.

Head of Operations, Josephine Kalinauckas, at the Panel Discussion ahead of the Reception.

EUROPE DAY 2013

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According to Ambassador Duynhouwer, co-operation between the European Union and Lesotho in 2012 progressed satisfactorily as disbursements amounted to EUR 35.5 million, an equivalent of about M400 million, bringing the total since 2010, to approximately EUR 135 million or M1.5 billion. In this regard, continued support to the Lesotho Government will ensue if and when the cooperation is result-orientat-ed and has an impact towards accelerated economic growth.

With regard to political relations between the EU and Lesotho, two successful political dialogues bringing together non-resident EU Member State Embassies have taken place in Maseru. These were intended for building up confidence and trust between the EU and the Lesotho Government. Another dialogue on governance is envisaged in the near future, where more in-depth exchange on relevant issues will be discussed.

Despite the many economic and financial challenges that the organization has faced with the rest of the world, the EU remains the largest development cooperation partner in the world, and it plans to maintain the status quo in the coming years.

In response, the Acting Minister of Foreign Af-fairs and International Relations the Hon Leb-esaMaloi thanked Ambassador Duynhouwer for inviting him to attend the august event un-der the new Coalition Government. He noted that this was a result of the hectic preparations

of the country’s general elections a year ago and an expression of the will of the nationals of Lesotho.

He acknowledged that the civil society plays a significant role in the advancement of countries the world over, further reiterating that gone are the days when the civil society was perceived as a critique of governments. He further pointed out that the Government of Lesotho engages with the civil society or-ganizations on various crucial issues, citing the more evident areas such as human rights and gender issues. He noted with appreciation that the European Union believes in the ca-pabilities of Lesotho, particularly in economic growth.

HE Mr Duynhouwer and the Acting Min of Foreign Affairs The Hon Lebesa Maloi.

FOCAC WORKING VISIT

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The Director General for African Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Re-public of China and Chairman of the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Sec-retariat, His Excellency Ambassador Lu Shaye paid a two-day working visit to Lesotho from 17 – 18 July, 2013.

The purpose of the visit was to discuss issues pertaining to bilateral relations between Chi-na and Lesotho, as well as to update each other on new developments in each country.Lesotho updated the Chinese delegation on Lesotho’s Foreign Policy towards China, par-ticularly under the new political dispensation. The United Nations reform also formed part of the deliberations, while China updated Leso-tho on amongst other issues: China’s Foreign Policy towards Africa under the new leader-

ship; and the China Dream Policy Concept 2021; which entails amongst other things, dou-bling the country’s GDP by 2021.

During the visit, the Chinese delegations met with the Principal Secretary of the Ministry, Mr T.J. Metsing, as well as with the Hon. Minister, Mr M.K. Tsekoa. Ambassador Lu Shaye closed the visit by paying a courtesy call on the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs, Mr Mothetjoa Metsing.

FOCAC was established in 2000 and has since become an important platform for enhancing cooperation between African countries and China. Ministerial meetings hold every three years, alternating between various venues in Africa and China.

The Hon. Mohlabi Tsekoa and H.E Ambassador Lu Shaye

STAFF MOVEMENT

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New AppointmentsH E Ms Lebohang Ntsinyi Ambassador Lesotho - BeijingH E Adv Kelebone Maope Ambassador Lesotho - New YorkH E Mr Nkopane Monyane Ambassador Lesotho - GenevaH E Mrs Mpeo Mahase-Moiloa Ambassador Lesotho - BrusselsH E Mr Bothata Tsikoane High Commissioner Lesotho-New Delhi H E Mr Sempe Lejaha Ambassador Lesotho - RomeH E Mrs Felleng Makeka High Commissioner Lesotho-LondonMr Mophethe Sekamane Consul-General – Lesotho - JohannesburgMs Lerato Tsosane Consul-General – Lesotho - DurbanMr Malefetsane Nhlapo First Secretary - Lesotho - Ottawa

Transfers H.E. Mrs Matlotliso Ntoane Lesotho-Pretoria to Lesotho - BerlinMrs Lindiwe Maleleka Lesotho-Addis Ababa to MFAIR – Minister Counsellor DPAMr Lekhooa Rajake MFAIR HR Manager to Min of Social DevtMs Mampona Lesaoana Min of Forestry to MFAIR – HR ManagerMr Phakiso Ralepoma Lesotho - Dublin to MFAIR – Counsellor DEAMr Teboho Mohapi Lesotho - London to MFAIR – Counsellor DPAMr Sixakeko Yengane Lesotho - Kuala Lumpur to MFAIR – First SecMr Maile Masoebe Lesotho - New Delhi to Min of GenderMrs Refiloe Leduka Lesotho - Addis Ababa to Min of Public ServiceMrs Shiela Molise-Jonathan Lesotho - Beijing to Min of JusticeMs Nofikile Patala National Assembly to MFAIR - Asst HR OfficerMrs Mantsupeng Matli Assistant HR Officer - First Secretary DEA

End of ToursH E Dr Makase Nyaphisi Lesotho - BerlinH E Mr Sponkie Malewa Lesotho - RomeH E Ms Ntsebe Kokome Lesotho - Kuala LumpurMr Lefeu Ramone Lesotho - GenevaMr Molise Tšeole Lesotho - KlerksdorpMs Senate Masupha Lesotho - RomeMr Nyatso Motoboli Lesotho - KlerksdorpMrs Matoka Phori Lesotho - WashingtonMr M Komtere Lesotho - Pretoria

EDITORIAL STAFF

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Editor-in-Chief:

Mr J T Metsing PS Foreign Affairs and International Relations

Edited by:

Ms Teboho Mapetla Chief Information Officer

Pictures:

Miss Realeboha Sethathi Information OfficerMr Setloke Lekhela Camera OperatorLesotho-BerlinLNDC

Contributions by:

Ms Teboho Mapetla Chief Information Officer Ms ’Mats’epe Sennane Principal Information OfficerMs Thato Lehloenya Director – Political AffairsMrs Lindiwe Maleleka Minister Counsellor – Political AffairsMr Teboho Rakoloi Counsellor – Lesotho - Berlin

Contact details:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International RelationsP O Box 1387Maseru 100LESOTHOTel: (266) 22311150Fax: (266) 22310178Email: teboho.mapetla@gov.lsWebsite: www.foreign.gov.ls

Design & Print: BONA Markerting and Communications (+266) 2232 4031