On 21^st September, 2016, H. E. Dr. Sun Xianghua, Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho, held a reception in celebration of the 67^th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The President of Senate, HRH. Prince Seeiso, the Hon. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations and Minister of Laws and Constitutional Affairs Motlalentoa Letsosa, as well as Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Home Affairs, Prime Minister's Office, Social Development, Police and Public Security, Finance, Local Government, Water, Public Service, Development Planning, Agriculture and Food Security, and Health etc., attended the reception. There were also Senators and Members of Parliament, Government Secretary, high level LDF and police officers including LDF Commander Lt. General Kamoli, Representatives of Diplomatic Corps, Chinese communities and companies present at the reception.

In his speech Ambassador Sun stated that over the past 67 years, China had gone through an earth-shaking change. After decades of high speed growth, China's economic development has entered a stage of New Normal. China has adopted a holistic development approach which champions innovation, coordination, and green, open and inclusive development. In the first half of this year, China's economic growth rate is 6.7%, still one of the fastest among the major economies. China is comprehensively deepening reforms in five major areas including economy, politics, culture, society and ecological improvement. With each passing day, the future of China's development is becoming brighter, and its greater contribution to the world can be reliably expected.

Ambassador Sun indicated that the accomplishments of China relied on some fundamental factors. Under the leadership of the Chinese communist party, the Chinese people have found a Chinese characterized socialism development path suited its national conditions. China adheres to the reform and opening up policy, constantly strengthened the connection with outside world. China dedicates itself to domestic stability and world peace, offering a favorable environment for development. China upholds independent foreign policy of peace, pushing forward mutual-beneficial cooperation and joint development. In the just concluded G20 summit in Hangzhou, China succeeded in putting the development issue as a prominent topic under the Framework of G20. During this summit, an Action Plan was formulated to implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which categorically pledged to support the industrialization efforts of African countries. China would always be a staunch advocator and supporter of African countries in international and regional affairs, it would always be a reliable and indispensable partner in African countries' development.

Ambassador Sun highlighted the Kingdom of Lesotho as a very important partner and friend in Africa. Political Mutual understanding between the two countries has been greatly enhanced. During recent years, the two countries have maintained high level exchanges of visit, and rendered each other valuable support on issues concerning each other's core interests and coordinated on major international affairs. China deeply appreciates Lesotho's adherence to One China Policy and its righteous position on the South China Sea issue. China and Lesotho have worked hard to implement the measures adopted in Johannesburg Summit of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which would exert huge impacts on Lesotho's further development. Meanwhile, China has been extending supports to Lesotho within its capacity, by strengthening cooperation on infrastructure, finance, education, culture, human resources and technical exchanges. Just a few days ago, the Chinese government handed over a batch emergency food aid to the Government of Lesotho, for relieving the unexpected drought.

Ambassador Sun also mentioned, this year markes the 50^th Anniversary of the Independence of Lesotho, the Chinese Government would send the Special Representative on Africa Affairs and an Art Troupe to Lesotho for the celebration. The Chinese community and companies also made their contributions to the celebration and the Basotho people by donating food and daily essentials to the vulnerable families.

At last, Ambassador Sun expressed his strong confidence that under the joint effort of the two governments and peoples, the China-Lesotho friendship would be carried forward generation after generation and become a fine example of the relations between countries, regardless they are big or small, rich or poor, near or far.

Hon. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations and Minister of Laws and Constitutional Affairs Motlalentoa Letsosa expressed, on behalf of the Government of Lesotho, congratulations to the Chinese Government and People, and spoke highly of China's development accomplishments and its more and more significant role in the international affairs. China and Lesotho had maintained a traditional friendly relationship premised upon a strong foundation of solidarity, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. China had established itself as one of the major development partners of Lesotho. The two countries had enjoyed cooperation in different sectors such as Agriculture, Infrastructure Development, Capacity Building, Tourism, Culture, Health and Defense. The Chinese Communities were also playing a positive role in all walks of live. It is fervently believed that China and Lesotho will bring greater success and brighter future to the bilateral relations.

Chorus from Machabang College Confucius Classroom was invited to the Reception to sing the Nation Anthem of China in Chinese, which received warm applause. Guests expressed their congratulations and best wishes to Ambassador Sun and the Embassy. The Lesotho mainstream media LTV, Lesotho News Agency, radios and newspaper made full coverage on the reception.