On 5 February, the Chinese Embassy in Lesotho held the launch ceremony for the 2026 “China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges” in Lesotho. H.R.H. Prince Seeiso, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Ms. Mantiti, officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance, teachers and students from the Confucius Institute and Confucius Classrooms, as well as youth and media representatives, about 50 guests in total, attended the event.

Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Lu Hui highlighted the significance of the “China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges”, reviewed achievements in China-Lesotho people-to-people exchanges, and expressed China’s readiness to work with Lesotho to carry out more cooperative projects benefiting the two peoples. He also introduced the guiding principles of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization.

Drawing on his earlier study experience in China, Prince Seeiso encouraged Basotho youth to overcome language barriers, strengthen cultural exchanges, and contribute to the long-term friendship between Lesotho and China. Ms. Mantiti expressed willingness to further enhance cooperation with China in film and television, museums, and digital technology, and reaffirmed firm support for the one-China principle.

The event also featured the award ceremony of the Second “Youth Creations on Shared Prosperity” Contest. Students from the Confucius Institute and Confucius Classrooms staged performances. Lesotho National Television provided full coverage of the event.