On December 18, the Chinese Embassy in Lesotho and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho jointly held the annual retreat. Minister Lejone Mpotjoane, Principal Secretary Thabang Lekheha, Deputy Principal Secretary Masilo Motsamai, together with more than one hundred officials from the Ministry and diplomats from the Chinese Embassy, attended the event.

Ambassador Yang noted that both China and Lesotho had achieved significant diplomatic accomplishments this year. In the face of mounting external pressures, both countries have demonstrated courage in opposing bullying and have firmly safeguarded their respective interests as well as the common interests of the Global South. The China–Lesotho strategic partnership has continued to expand in substance, political mutual trust has deepened, and encouraging progress has been made in carrying forward the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). He expressed appreciation for Lesotho’s firm support on issues concerning China’s core interests and major concerns, including Taiwan and human rights issues, as well as major initiatives and concepts proposed by China. The Embassy stands ready to work closely with Lesotho’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations to achieve even greater results in the coming year.

Minister Lejone thanked the Chinese government for honoring its commitments and steadily advancing the outcomes of various summit meetings, which have delivered tangible benefits to the people of Lesotho. He emphasized that diplomacy is not only about official exchanges but also about connecting peoples’ hearts. He expressed willingness to strengthen communication with the Chinese Embassy to elevate Lesotho–China relations to a new level and reaffirmed Lesotho’s firm commitment to abide by the one-China principle.