Maseru — The High Commissioner-designate of New Zealand to Lesotho, Mr. Phillip Hewitt, the High Commissioner-designate of Malaysia to Lesotho, Mr. Dato' Yabazlan Yusof, and the High Commissioner-designate of Thailand to Lesotho, Mr. Ekapol Poolpipat, have presented their Letters of Credence to King Letsie III at the Royal Palace in Maseru on Thursday.

Accepting the credentials, King Letsie III said the accreditation of the three envoys demonstrates the continued growth of relations between Lesotho and their respective countries.

He said that the relations provide opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including agriculture, infrastructural development, public health and education, among others.

The King stated that the Government of Lesotho will continue to provide the necessary support to the newly accredited High Commissioners to enable them to effectively discharge their diplomatic responsibilities and further strengthen bilateral relations.

The three High Commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening relations with Lesotho and highlighted the importance of continued cooperation with the Government in support of the country's sustainable development agenda.
Lesotho and Malaysia established diplomatic relations in 1988. The two countries have since maintained cooperation in various areas, including education, trade and development.

Diplomatic relations between Lesotho and Thailand were established in 1989. The two countries have developed cooperation particularly in agriculture and education, with Basotho benefiting from Thailand's education and training programmes.

Lesotho and New Zealand share long-standing relations dating back to Lesotho's independence in 1966 with the two countries maintaining cooperation in areas including education, governance, agriculture and development. New Zealand has also supported exchanges and cooperation linked to Lesotho's parliamentary and electoral governance experience.
The presentation of credentials formally marks the commencement of the envoys' diplomatic assignments in Lesotho and is expected to provide further impetus to cooperation between the Kingdom and the three countries.

The High Commissioners are also expected to pay a courtesy call to the Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane.