On 13 July 2017, the Ceremony of Exchanging Letters of China Aid Parliament Building and National Convention Center Comprehensive Technical Project was held at the Embassy of People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Lesotho, Maseru. The Chinese Ambassador H. E. Dr. Sun Xianghua, the Political Counsellor Mr. Song Changqing, the Commercial and Economic Counsellor Mr. Ma Guoliang, Hon. Tlohelang Aumane, the Minister of Development Planning of Lesotho, the Principal Secretary Mr. Majakathata Mokuena Thakhisi, the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mr. Nkopane Monyane, the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture Mr. Khomoatsane Tau, Clerk of Lesotho National Assembly Mr. Lebohang Fine Maema and other officials from governmental departments of Lesotho as well as journalists from Local media were present at the Ceremony.
In his remarks Ambassador indicated that the China aid Parliament Building and the National Convention Center have become the landmark architectures of Maseru and important symbols of China-Lesotho friendship since they were handed over from the Chinese side to the Government of Lesotho. The Comprehensive Technical Project will help Lesotho to train competent technicians for maintaining both buildings, during which, operation and maintenance skills will be transferred to the Basotho trainees. With their work and expertise, the buildings will be kept in optimal conditions and continue to play an even more important role in Lesotho's political, cultural and economic life. Ambassador Sun also emphasized that the year of 2017 is a crucial year in implementing the outcomes of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation. The Chinese Government will work together with the Lesotho government to push forward materializing the initiated projects at a faster pace, and bring more tangible benefits to the Basotho people.
Hon. Aumane extended his appreciation to the Chinese Government for this generous assistance, and pointed out that the Comprehensive Technical Cooperation manifests the friendly relationship between China and Lesotho, and will strengthen the two countries' practical cooperation in all fields. He requested the officials from the Lesotho side to engage adequate Basotho private companies in the technical project, who will be commissioned to receive the maintaining skills and keep the China-Aid buildings in optimal condition.
The ceremony was reported by LENA, LTV and Sunday Express.