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Sub Saharan Africa
Lesotho |
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Country information
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Lesotho is a land-locked country and is completely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. There are close political, cultural and economic links between the two countries and a Joint Bilateral Commission on Co-operation to handle practical matters.
Lesotho's Relations with the UK
There are long historical links between the UK and Lesotho. Relations remain strong, despite the closure of the British High Commission in 2005. There are a number of British NGOs operating in Lesotho. HRH Prince Harry is associated with a special fund set up with the British Red Cross for HIV/AIDS affected orphans and vulnerable children in the country. There are special links with Wales (Dolen Cymru) and Durham (the Lesotho/Durham Link); and in October 2008 the Foreign Secretary visited Wales, as part of his ‘Bringing Foreign Policy Home’ initiative, and took part in a video-link between a Welsh comprehensive school and a secondary school in Lesotho. Several hundred British citizens live and work in Lesotho.
Dolen Cymru Lesotho - The Wales Lesotho Link
Recent visits to Lesotho have included Baroness Amos, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (July 2002) and HRH The Princess Royal (July 2003). HRH Prince Harry has made several private visits in recent years, including visits in November 2007 and April and July 2008.
In February 2005 Foreign Minister Monyane Moleleki visited the UK and met Chris Mullen, then Minister of State at the FCO. The Lesotho Prime Minister, Pakalitha Mosisili, met Lord Malloch-Brown, Minister for Africa, during a visit to the UK in July 2008. Foreign Minister Mohlabi Tsekoa also met Lord Malloch-Brown during a visit to the UK in April 2009.
Diplomatic Representation
The British High Commission in Maseru closed in August 2005. Representation is now from the British High Commission in Pretoria. The non-resident Deputy High Commissioner to Lesotho, based in Pretoria, visits the country at least once a quarter. The Department for International Development has a Country Representative based in the Irish Embassy in Maseru.
