Foreign relations of Lesotho

Nations with which Lesotho has diplomatic relations.

Lesotho's geographic location makes it extremely vulnerable to political and economic developments in South Africa. Its capital is the small city of Maseru. It is a member of many regional economic organizations including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Lesotho also is active in the United Nations, the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, the Non-Aligned Movement, and many other international organizations. In addition to the Republic of Korea, the United States, South Africa, Ireland, People's Republic of China, Libya, and the European Union all currently retain resident diplomatic missions in Lesotho. Foreign relations of Lesotho are administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

Lesotho has historically maintained generally close ties with the Republic of Ireland (Lesotho's largest bilateral aid donor), the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other Western states. Although Lesotho decided in 1990 to break relations with the People's Republic of China (P.R.C.) and re-establish relations with the Republic of China (commonly known by its main island as Taiwan), it had restored ties with the P.R.C. in 1994.

Bilateral relations

Africa

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Algeria
  • Lesotho King Letsie III paid a visit to Algeria in 2015.
 Angola 1983
  • Lesotho is represented in Angola through its embassy in South Africa.
 Botswana
  • Lesotho is represented in Angola through its embassy in South Africa.
 Burkina Faso 14 April 2016
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 April 2016 when Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Lesotho with residence in Pretoria, Mme. Salamata Sawadogo/Tapsoba presented his credentials to King Letsie III.
 Burundi
  • Lesotho is represented in Burundi through its embassy in Ethiopia.
 Cameroon 29 October 1968 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 October 1968
 Cabo Verde
  • Lesotho is represented in Cabo Verde through its embassy in Ethiopia.
 Central African Republic
  • Lesotho is represented in the Central African Republic through its embassy in Ethiopia.
 Comoros
  • Lesotho is represented in Comoros through its embassy in Ethiopia.
 Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Lesotho is represented in Angola through its embassy in South Africa.
 Djibouti
  • Lesotho is represented in Djibouti through its embassy in Ethiopia.
 Egypt 31 May 1973 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 May 1973
 Equatorial Guinea
  • Lesotho is represented in Equatorial Guinea through its embassy in Ethiopia.
 Eritrea 21 June 2015 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 June 2015 when Mr. Saleh Omar, Eritrean Ambassador to South Africa, has presented his credentials to King of Lesotho Letsie III.
  • Lesotho is represented in Eritrea through its embassy in Kuwait.
 Eswatini 12 February 1976 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 February 1976
 Ethiopia
 Gabon
  • Lesotho is represented in Gabon through its embassy in Ethiopia.
 Ghana 24 November 1966 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 November 1966
 Guinea
  • Guinea is represented in Lesotho through its embassy in South Africa.
 Ivory Coast 28 October 1968 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 October 1968
 Kenya June 1968 Both countries established diplomatic relations in June 1968.
 Liberia 4 July 1974 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 July 1974
 Libya The two countries maintain diplomatic relations and Lesotho formerly had a diplomatic mission in Tripoli.
 Madagascar 7 December 1971 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 December 1971
 Malawi 4 February 1967 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 February 1967
  • Lesotho is represented in Malawi through its embassy in South Africa.
 Mauritania 9 March 2017 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 March 2017 when first Ambassador of Mauritania to Lesotho M. Mohamed Ould Hanani presented his credentials to King Letsie III.
 Mauritius
  • Lesotho is represented in Mauritius through its embassy in South Africa.
 Morocco 1990
  • The two countries maintain diplomatic relations.
 Mozambique 9 September 1975 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 September 1975
  • Lesotho is represented in Mozambique through its embassy in South Africa.
 Namibia
  • Lesotho is represented in Namibia through its embassy in South Africa.
 Niger 17 August 2017
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 August 2017 when Ambassador of Niger to Lesotho Mrs. Rakiatou Mayaki presented his credentials to King Letsie III.
 Nigeria November 1971
  • Diplomatic relations between the two countries are described as 'positive'.
 Rwanda 1983
  • Lesotho is represented in Rwanda through its embassy in Ethiopia.
 Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
  • Lesotho is represented in the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic through its embassy in Kuwait.
 São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Lesotho is represented in São Tomé and Príncipe through its embassy in Ethiopia.
 Seychelles
  • Lesotho is represented in the Seychelles through its embassy in South Africa.
 Sierra Leone 22 October 1968 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 October 1968
 Somalia
  • Lesotho is represented in Somalia through its embassy in Ethiopia.
 South Africa 21 May 1992 See Lesotho–South Africa relations
 Sudan The countries signed a memorandum of understanding in 2018 in the fields of political consulation and social development.
 Tanzania 23 January 1970 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 January 1970 when first High Commissioner of Lesotho, Mr. P. A. Mabathoana, presented credentils to President Nyerere
  • Lesotho is represented in Tanzania through its embassy in Ethiopia.
 Tunisia 1 December 2000 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 2000
 Uganda 4 October 1968 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 October 1968
 Zambia 19 September 1973 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 September 1973
 Zimbabwe 1 July 1982 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 July 1982
  • Lesotho is represented in Zimbabwe through its embassy in South Africa.

Elsewhere

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Argentina 19 May 1999 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 May 1999
 Australia
  • Australia is represented in Lesotho through its high commission in South Africa.
 Austria See Austria–Lesotho relations
 Azerbaijan 28 September 2012 Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Lesotho were established on September 28, 2012.
 Bahrain 24 July 1976 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 March 1983
 Bahamas The two countries maintain diplomatic relations.
 Bangladesh 4 March 1983 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 March 1983
 Barbados 25 November 1979
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 November 1979.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
 Belarus 2020
  • Diplomatic relations were established in 2020.
 Belgium
 Brazil 1975
  • Mohlabi Kenneth Tsekoa visited Brazil in 2010
 Brunei 30 March 2000 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 March 2000
 Bulgaria 10 July 1980 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 July 1980
 Canada 1966 See Canada–Lesotho relations
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1966.
  • Canada is represented in Lesotho via parallel accreditation of its high commission in Pretoria, South Africa and has an honorary consulate in Maseru.
  • Since 2006, Lesotho has a high commission in Ottawa
  • Both countries are full members of Commonwealth of Nations.
  • Pakalitha Mosisili was educated in through Canadian Government provided scholarships
 Chile 25 August 1998 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 August 1998
 China 30 April 1983 See China-Lesotho relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 April 1983, but broke off 7 April 1990 and re-established on 12 January 1994

 Colombia 17 April 1998 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 April 1998
 Costa Rica 17 April 1998 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 April 1998
 Croatia 6 November 1998

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 November 1998.

 Cuba 14 June 1979 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 June 1979
 Cyprus 25 February 2004
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 February 2004.
  • Cyprus is represented in Lesotho through its High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa.
  • Lesotho is represented in Cyprus via parallel accreditation of its High Commission in London.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
 Czech Republic 1982 Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1982
 Denmark 1970
  • Lesotho is represented in Denmark through its embassy in Ireland.
 Dominican Republic 2 November 2023 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 November 2023.
 Estonia 26 September 2012

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 September 2012

 Finland 1 February 1979 See Finland–Lesotho relations
 France 21 August 1967 The two countries maintain diplomatic relations.
 Georgia 23 September 2013

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 September 2013.

 Germany 1966
 Greece 31 January 1977 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 January 1977
  • Greece is represented in Lesotho through its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
  • Lesotho is represented in Greece via parallel accreditation of its embassy in Rome, Italy.
 Guyana 25 August 1979
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 25 August 1979.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
 Holy See 11 March 1967 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 November 1993
 Hungary 29 March 1983 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 March 1983
  • Hungary is represented in Lesotho through its embassy in South Africa.
 Iceland 24 August 1983 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 August 1983
 India 8 June 1971 See India–Lesotho relations
  • The High Commission in Pretoria has been concurrently accredited to Lesotho.
  • Lesotho has a High Commission in New Delhi.
 Indonesia 4 November 1993 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 November 1993
 Iraq
  • Lesotho is represented in Iraq through its embassy in Kuwait.
 Iran 15 December 1971 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 December 1971.
  • Lesotho is represented in Iran through its embassy in Kuwait.
 Ireland 14 June 2005

Lesotho has significant relations with Ireland. On 13 November 1997, Liz O'Donnell (Irish Minister for State) spoke about the relationship between the two nations and Ireland's future commitment towards Lesotho. The Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern visited Lesotho in 2000. This relationship was further strengthened by a visit from the then President of Ireland Mary McAleese between 14 and 16 June 2006 on her speech about the long-standing relationship with Lesotho and shared history between both nations.

The Irish Government has donated aid to Lesotho since 1975. Donations to Lesotho is Ireland's longest running aid programme. On 14 February 2005, Lesotho announced that Ireland is the largest bilateral donor with financial support in excess of M70 million in each of the past three years. Ireland also supports Lesotho's Flying Doctor Service, education, sanitation, water and various health such as the Fight against AIDS with the Clinton Foundation.

 Israel 4 October 1966

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 October 1966

 Italy
  • Italy is represented in Lesotho through its embassy in South Africa.
 Jamaica 19 October 1979 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 October 1979
 Japan 29 July 1971
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 July 1971.
  • Japan is represented in Lesotho via parallel accreditation of its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
 Kazakhstan 2 April 2015 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 April 2015
 Kuwait 30 April 1973 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 April 1973
 Kyrgyzstan 20 July 2017

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 July 2017.

 Latvia 10 February 2014

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 February 2014.

 Lebanon 1 September 2005

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 September 2005.

 Lithuania 20 July 2000

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 July 2000.

 Luxembourg The countries maintain diplomatic relations.
 Malaysia 31 March 1988 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 March 1988
 Maldives 29 March 2021 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 March 2021
 Malta 11 April 2006
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 April 2006.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
 Mexico 14 November 1975
  • Lesotho is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.
  • Mexico is accredited to Lesotho from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
 Monaco 15 July 2008 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 July 1985.
 Mongolia 2 July 1985

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 July 1985.

 Montenegro 23 September 2013

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 September 2013.

   Nepal 18 May 2010

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 May 2010.

 Netherlands
  • Both countries maintain diplomatic relations.
 New Zealand 27 April 2000 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 April 2000
  • New Zealand is represented in Lesotho through its high commission in South Africa.
 Nicaragua 14 June 1983 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 June 1983
 North Macedonia 3 September 1998 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 September 1998
 Norway 8 May 1976 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 May 1976.
 Pakistan 4 July 1984

Pakistan and Lesotho maintain trade links. Pakistan is also a leading trainer of Lesotho Defense Force. Both Countries maintain honorary consulates in each other's country. Both Pakistan and Lesotho are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

 Palestine 30 September 2021 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 September 2021
 Peru 21 July 1989 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 July 1989
 Philippines 15 April 1998 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 April 1998
 Poland 20 December 1978 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 December 1978
 Portugal 29 March 1976 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 March 1976
 Qatar 10 April 2001 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 April 2001
 Romania 1 May 1975

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 May 1975.

 Russia 1 February 1980

During the 1980s, the Soviet Union and Lesotho developed closer relations. In 1992, Lesotho recognised the Russian Federation as the successor state to the Soviet Union. From 2004 to 2007 Monyane Moleleki, who had studied at the Moscow State University, was Lesotho's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

 San Marino 30 November 2010 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 November 2010.
 Saudi Arabia 20 August 2021 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 August 2021.
 Serbia 1972

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1972.

 Singapore 12 January 1990 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 January 1990.
 Slovakia 8 May 1995 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 May 1995.
 South Korea 7 December 1966

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Korea and Lesotho is 7 December 1966 and in 2011 Bilateral Trade were Exports $27,330,000, Imports: $290,000.

 Sri Lanka 14 July 2000 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 July 2000.
 Spain 3 May 1976 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 May 1976.
 Sweden
  • Lesotho is represented in Denmark through its embassy in Ireland.
  Switzerland 22 August 1967 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 August 1967
 Thailand 17 April 1989 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 April 1989
 Trinidad and Tobago
  • Burkina Faso and Lesotho maintain diplomatic relations.
 Turkey 1980
  • Embassy of Lesotho in Rome is accredited to Turkey.
  • Turkish ambassador in Pretoria to South Africa is also accredited to Lesotho.
  • Trade volume between the two countries was 1.65 million USD in 2019 (Lesotho's exports/imports: 0.03/1.62 million USD).
 Ukraine 1 June 2000 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 June 2000
 United Arab Emirates The two countries maintain diplomatic relations.
 United Kingdom 4 October 1966

Lesotho was previously the British protectorate of Basutoland prior to gaining independence in 1966. Since then Lesotho has been a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and maintained strong relations with the United Kingdom, exchanging High Commissioners between respective governments. The United Kingdom has maintained its status as one of Lesotho's major defence equipment suppliers as well as significant investment coming from the United Kingdom to help in the prevention and management of AIDS/HIV as well as other infrastructure projects.

 United States 4 October 1966 See Lesotho-United States relations

The United States was one of the first four countries to establish an embassy in Maseru after Lesotho gained its independence from Great Britain in 1966. Since this time, Lesotho and the United States have consistently maintained warm bilateral relations. In 1996, the United States closed its bilateral aid program in Lesotho. The Southern African regional office of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Gaborone, Botswana now administers most of the U.S. assistance to Lesotho, which totalled approximately $2 million in FY 2004. Total U.S. aid to Lesotho is over $69 million, including humanitarian food assistance. The Peace Corps has operated in Lesotho since 1969.About 69 Peace Corps volunteers concentrate in the sectors of health, agriculture, education, rural community development, and the environment. The Government of Lesotho encourages greater American participation in commercial life and welcomes interest from potential U.S. investors and suppliers. In 2007, the Government of Lesotho signed a compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation to provide $362.5 million in support to develop Lesotho's water sector, healthcare infrastructure, and private sector.

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets. United States Department of State.

 Uruguay 26 May 1998 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 May 1998
 Venezuela 26 June 1983 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 June 1983
 Vietnam 6 January 1998

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 January 1998.

Notable people

  • Lefa Mokotjo (1999–2005), ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the People's Republic of China

See also


This page was last updated at 2024-02-26 07:15 UTC. Update now. View original page.

All our content comes from Wikipedia and under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.


Top

If mathematical, chemical, physical and other formulas are not displayed correctly on this page, please useFirefox or Safari