MASERU, April 23 (NNN-SANEWS) — President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday undertake a working visit to Maseru in the Kingdom of Lesotho to co-chair the second session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between South Africa and Lesotho.
President Ramaphosa – who will be accompanied by 15 Ministers – will co-chair the second session with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane.
In a statement, the Presidency said the South Africa–Lesotho Bi-National Commission follows the Inaugural Session which was held in September 2023 in Pretoria.
“The elevation of bilateral cooperation to a BNC level in 2022 was a recognition of the solid foundation upon which relations between the two countries are founded. Further, it is a practical demonstration of the two countries’ resolve that cooperation in various sectors should benefit all,” the statement read.
The Presidency said that South Africa will use the upcoming session of the BNC to promote greater solidarity among countries of the region and the South in the light of geopolitical shifts.
“South Africa will also underscore the strategic importance of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) and highlight a need to expedite the speedy implementation of Phase II of the project, taking into consideration the agreed timelines and allocated budget.
“Many South African companies have made significant investments in Lesotho which have created thousands of jobs. The Binational Commission is expected also to reflect on the movement of people between the two states,” the Presidency said.
This week’s engagement between the two countries will, among other discussions, focus on:
• Fostering stronger political and bilateral relations between the two countries;
• Deepening economic cooperation;
• Reviewing implementation of the outcomes of the inaugural session of the BNC and identifying new priority areas; and
• Exchanging views on regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern.
The BNC will be preceded by the Meeting of Senior Officials (SOM) and the Council of Ministers Meeting held on April 22. — NNN-SANEWS
