MASERU – Lesotho and China have pledged to elevate their bilateral strategic partnership, aiming to create a model of cooperation between nations with different systems, according to a joint statement released on Sunday.
The announcement followed talks in Maseru between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoana. Wang visited Lesotho on Saturday and Sunday, during which he also met Prime Minister Sam Matekane.
The ministers reviewed progress in bilateral relations and agreed to support each other on core national interests and major concerns. Lesotho expressed support for the four global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, describing them as promoting stability and certainty amid a turbulent world.
Lesotho reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle, recognising Taiwan as an inalienable part of China, while China welcomed Lesotho’s ongoing national reform efforts and offered continued support for the country’s sovereignty, security, and development interests.
Both countries agreed that promoting human rights should be based on mutual respect and equality, rejecting politicisation, double standards, and interference in domestic affairs under the pretext of human rights.
The discussions also reflected on 10 partnership actions initiated under the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, which have advanced modernization and key development projects in Lesotho. Both sides noted that rapid global changes are increasing the influence of Global South countries in international affairs.
Wang described Lesotho as a strategic partner and proposed strengthening strategic mutual trust, expanding people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and making full use of the benefits of China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho. He called for deepening practical cooperation across multiple sectors and advancing the continuous development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Mpotjoana said Lesotho is committed to strengthening cooperation with China in multiple fields, promoting a high-level Lesotho-China community with a shared future, and working closely with China to support multilateralism and safeguard global peace and development.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Matekane, Wang congratulated Lesotho on its 60th independence anniversary, praised the government’s focus on economic development, and reaffirmed China’s readiness to enhance coordination in governance experience, multilateral affairs, and strategic partnerships.
Matekane expressed gratitude for China’s support to Lesotho and African countries, reiterated the country’s commitment to the one-China principle, and pledged to strengthen strategic trust, expand people-to-people exchanges, implement FOCAC outcomes, and deepen cooperation in infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy. He also noted that China’s zero-tariff policy will provide new impetus for Lesotho’s development and highlighted plans to collaborate on global platforms such as BRICS to address shared challenges.
The two sides reiterated their commitment to oppose unilateral sanctions, protectionism, and economic hegemony, promote a multipolar world and inclusive globalization, strengthen equitable global governance, and work towards peace, security, and shared prosperity.
Wang stressed that China will continue to support African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, facilitate market access for Lesotho’s specialty products, and build a community with a shared future for humanity.
Meetings concluded with both countries committed to deepening exchanges, promoting practical cooperation, and advancing the China-Lesotho strategic partnership across political, economic, and cultural fronts.
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