On 22nd August, 2016, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture (MTEC) co-hosted the opening ceremony of the Chinese Movie Festival in Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of the Kingdom of Lesotho. Hon. Mothejoa Metsing, Deputy Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, more than 10 Cabinet Ministers, Charge d' Affairs of the Chinese Embassy Mr. Zhang Changwei, representatives from diplomatic corps, the Lesotho Movie Association, media and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony.
In his remarks Mr. Zhang Changwei indicated that the Movie Festival was among several events to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of the Kingdom of Lesotho, and clearly demonstrated the warm congratulations from the Chinese Government and the Chinese People to Lesotho for her remarkable Golden Jubilee. The movies were very good cultural carriers reflecting the country's history, philosophy and tradition. We hope the Chinese movie festival will provide an important platform to enhance bilateral people-to-people and cultural exchanges and could open a window for the Basotho people to better understand the Chinese people and the Chinese life.
Hon. Likeleli Tampane, Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture extended her appreciation and gratitude to the Chinese Government for its contributions to the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of the Kingdom of Lesotho. The contribution by the Chinese Government is a result of the cultural cooperation that exists between Lesotho and China, a relationship dated as far back as 2000. In addition to the Movie Festival, Lesotho will be visited by an Art Troupe from China, also for celebration of the 50th Anniversary. She also took the opportunity to invite Chinese tourists to visit Lesotho and the natural and cultural resources here.
Following the opening ceremony, the Guests watched the movie "The Grand Master", and marveled at the Chinese Kungfu and Chinese movies, and express hopes to watch more Chinese movies.