The World Bank Country Representative to Lesotho Mr. Yoichiro Ishihara paid a farewell courtesy call on the Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane at the State House in Maseru on Wednesday. While conveying his remarks to the Representative, Mr. Matekane showed that Lesotho is grateful to have had Mr. Ishihara working in Lesotho and help it see success in some projects that the World Bank has supported Lesotho with.He said that though, Mr. Ishihara is leaving while some projects are still ongoing, he hopes his successor will ensure that such projects see completion.

Mr. Matekane however wished him well and said that they are looking forward to continuing with the good relations that the World Bank and the government of Lesotho are having. In his remarks also, outgoing Representative Mr. Ishihara said that for the four years that he has been in Lesotho, the two parties have achieved a lot such as the upgrade in the partnership agreements.He indicated that he is leaving Lesotho at the time that the World Bank has approved about M  ($20 million) to support the government of Lesotho with the rehabilitation and establishment of primary and secondary schools across the country.

He also mentioned that the World bank has also funded the government of Lesotho for the Katse to Thaba-Tseka road. Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane said that it has been a privilege to have worked with Mr. Ishihara as they have learned a lot from him including how well-developed partners funds can well be utilised for the benefit of the nation. He stated that during his stay, Mr. Ishihara also commented the government of Lesotho for having kept food political stability as such will help it gain more development partners as well as investors. Mr. Yoichiro Ishihara arrived in Lesotho in 2020 and will be continuing with mission to serve as Representative in Ethiopia.