Japan-Lesotho Relations
Japan- Lesotho Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
August 27, 2022
On August 27, commencing at 05:50 p.m. (local time; August 27, 01:50 a.m. JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Tunisia to attend the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8), held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting with Hon. Mrs. ‘Matŝepo MOLISE - RAMAKOAE, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude for Lesotho’s consistent support for Japan in the international arena, and stated that Japan intends to contribute to promotion of renewable energy development and stabilization of electric supply in Lesotho through such assistance as improvement of a small hydropower plant. Minister Molise – Ramakoae expressed her condolences to former Prime Minister Abe, and Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude. Minister Molise – Ramakoae then expressed her appreciation for Japan's extensive support for Lesotho as well as her hope for further support from Japan. The both sides confirmed to work for further development of bilateral relations.
- Minister Hayashi then stated that it is essential for the international community to cooperate in its response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and that Japan intends to continue contributing to strengthening food security in Africa. In response, Minister Molise - Ramakoae stated that she appreciates the support from Japan. Minister Hayashi also raised the importance of transparency and fairness of development finance and the two sides confirmed to cooperate with each other.
- Furthermore, the two sides shared the view to continue to work together in responding to regional and international issues, such as North Korea, including on the nuclear, missile, and abductions issues and strengthening of the functions of the United Nations as a whole, including the Security Council reform. They also confirmed to coordinate to maintain and strengthen the NPT regime following the recent NPT Review Conference.