…launch quarterly coordination mechanism
…highlight successful visit of China’s Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi
Moroke Sekoboto
THE People’s Republic of China and Lesotho have reaffirmed their commitment to elevating the China–Lesotho strategic partnership to a higher level, positioning it as a model of friendly exchange and shared development between countries with different national conditions and systems.
Speaking at the launch reception of the Quarterly Coordination Mechanism at the Chinese Embassy this week, Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho, Yang Xiaokun, said Lesotho reaffirmed its steadfast adherence to the One-China Principle during the recent historic visit by China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi.
Mr Xiaokun said Lesotho reiterated its deep appreciation for China’s longstanding support for the country’s development and reaffirmed its firm commitment to strengthening cooperation based on equality, mutual respect and shared benefit. He said Lesotho welcomed China’s policies aimed at enhancing trade and economic engagement and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation and strengthen coordination in multilateral affairs.
“Minister Wang Yi stated that China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China–Lesotho strategic partnership,” Mr Xiaokun said.
“China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho’s specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho’s development.”
Mr Xiaokun said following Mr Yi’s visit, the two countries issued a joint communiqué reaffirming firm mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns. He added that both sides expressed satisfaction with the achievements in bilateral relations.
“Both countries agreed on a shared determination to advance projects that produce tangible outcomes, strengthen strategic coordination, and expand cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, technology and public health.
“We also underlined the importance of enhancing people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties, reinforcing the foundation of enduring friendship.”
He further indicated that the two countries agreed to establish a Quarterly Coordination Mechanism to ensure effective implementation of the outcomes of the visit.
“This mechanism is result-oriented and action-focused. Its main purpose is to maintain close coordination on major issues, strengthen mutual support, review progress in the implementation of key cooperation projects, facilitate problem-solving, and exchange views on regional and international developments,” Mr Xiaokun said.
From a broader perspective, he said Mr Yi’s visit sent a clear and reassuring message to Africa and Lesotho, noting that for 36 consecutive years China has chosen Africa as the destination of its Foreign Minister’s first overseas visit — a tradition that speaks volumes about the depth of China–Africa friendship.
“Just before arriving in Lesotho, Minister Yi attended the launch of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchange at the African Union headquarters, conveying President Xi Jinping’s message that exchanges among people are the foundation and lasting source of vitality of China–Africa relations.
“At a time of profound global uncertainty, China came to Africa with sincerity and respect, treating African countries not as peripheral players, but as indispensable partners. Against this background, the visit to Lesotho conveyed a simple yet powerful message: Lesotho matters, its people matter, and China stands ready to deepen people-centred cooperation and work with Lesotho as a trusted strategic partner for shared development and a shared future,” Mr Xiaokun said.
For his part, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Thabang Lekhela, highlighted the successful official visit of China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to Lesotho.
Mr Lekhela reaffirmed the long-standing, cordial and mutually respectful relations between Lesotho and China, underscoring China’s invaluable support for Lesotho’s national development priorities.
He further emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation in key sectors such as infrastructure development, human resource capacity building, health and education, as well as the two countries’ shared commitment to multilateralism and mutual respect.
“We reflect on a transformative milestone — a visit that has powerfully elevated our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights,” Mr Lekhela said.
“This historic visit marked Africa as the destination for China’s first overseas diplomatic trip of the year for the 36th consecutive time. It also coincided with the launch of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchange, underscoring its profound strategic significance for Lesotho and for our collective future.”
Mr Lekhela said the visit came at a critical time.
“Globally, we face headwinds of unilateralism, protectionism and fragmentation. For Lesotho, these challenges, including recent adverse external trade shocks, have made our national imperatives even more urgent — economic diversification, infrastructure modernisation, energy security and job creation for our youth,” he said.
Mr Lekhela said the outcomes of the visit provided a clear blueprint for progress.
“We reached a high-level consensus to take our bilateral relationship to a new and higher level. We reaffirmed the non-negotiable bedrock of our trust: Lesotho’s firm and unwavering adherence to the One-China Principle, recognising Taiwan as an inalienable part of China’s territory,” he said.
