Honorable Minister Nthati Moorosi,

Friends from Lesotho News Agency and Ministry of Information, Communications, Science,Technology and Innovation,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my pleasure to join you for the Lesotho News Agency Awards Ceremony. I would like to extend my warm congratulations to all the award recipients and my sincere appreciation to the organizers for bringing us together to celebrate excellence in journalism.

Like national news agencies worldwide, LENA has served as an important window through which the world gains a better understanding of Lesotho,and its development, social progress. At the same time, LENA also helps Basotho stay informed about the wider world. In this regard, I appreciate LENA's efforts in providing objective, balanced, and professional coverage of China. Through your coverage, many Basotho have gained better knowledge about China. I appreciate your work of publicizing Lesotho’s firm adherence to the one-China principle, China’s position on international affairs such as Chinese initiatives, including building a community with a shared future for humanity and the four global initiatives, as well as practical cooperation between our two countries.

Every accurate and meaningful news report need the dedication, courage, and hard work of individual journalists. There is a saying in China as “Journalists are the uncrowned kings”. On one hand, media wields significant influence in society;on the other hand, it bears even greater responsibility to uphold professionalism, integrity, and serve the public interest. Journalists have the important mission of documenting the times, reporting the truth, and serving the public. The awards presented today are not only recognition of individual achievements, but also a tribute to the commitment, professionalism, and contribution of the staffs of LENA.

My Embassy has always been pleased to maintain good cooperation with LENA. We appreciate the valuable role LENA plays in reporting Lesotho, China and our cooperation. We of course respect the outstanding professionalism and dedication of LENA’s staffs. I myself learned a lot about Lesotho and Basotho through your reporting. And I thank you for that. It is my pleasure to show our appreciation to your hard work by joining you today. And I also hope we will continue and strengthen our cooperation.

Your honorable, Minister Moorosi, I am glad to see you with us today,and welcome back home from your trip in China to attend The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAICO). Everybody knows artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important force shaping the future of our world, and the Media sector will not escape from this monster or angel of AI. With the opportunities and challenges provided by AI, the only way for us to move forward is to enhance cooperation, and WAICO is the platform. China and Lesotho, with other countries, should enhance exchanges and cooperation, explore new possibilities brought by AI, and jointly promote the responsible use of technology to support the development of the Media sector.

Once again, congratulations to all the award winners. I wish the Lesotho News Agency continued excellence and all journalists and media professionals every success in your important work.

Thank you very much.