Japan-Lesotho Relations

June 25, 2025

Basic Data

Diplomatic Relations:

  • Established in July 1971

Japanese Nationals:

  • Number of Japanese nationals residing in Lesotho: 5 (Oct. 2024)

Trade with Japan:

  • Exports: 32 million yen (Clothes, Diamonds)
  • Imports: 1,485 million yen (Automobiles, medicines)

Japan's Development Cooperation (up to 2022):

VIP Visits

From Japan to Lesotho:
Year Name
2005 Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Keishiro Fukushima
2005 Members of the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship League
2020 Members of the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship League
From Lesotho to Japan (since1990):
Year Name
1990 Member of the Military Council and Head of Delegation Elias Phisoana Ramaema
1993 Minister of Finance and Planning and Manpower Development Selometsi Baholo (TICAD I)
1998 Minister of Finance and Development Planning Leketekete V. Ketso (TICAD II)
1999 Vice Chancellor, National University of Lesotho Dr. Ramoshebi Ishmael Maboee Moletsane
2001 Minister of Finance and of Development Planning Mohlabi Tsekoa (2001 TICAD Ministerial Meeting)
2002 Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohlabi Tsekoa
2003 Minister of Natural Resources Monyane Moleleki
2003 Minister of Finance and Development Planning Timothy Tahane (TICAD III)
2005 Minister of Public Works and Transport Mofelehetsi Moerane
2006 Minister of Foreign Affairs Monyane Moleleki
2007 Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili
2008 Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili (TICAD IV)
2013 Minister of Mining Tlali Khasu
2013 Prime Minister Thomas Thabane (TICAD V)
2013 Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing
2013 Minister of Communications, Science and Technology Tšeliso Mokhosi
2016 Minister of Gender, Youth and Sports Mathibeli Mokhothu
2016 Their Majesties King Letsie III and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso
2017 Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing
2017 Minister of Communication, Science and Technology Joang Molapo
2017 Deputy Minister of Health Manthabiseng Pohleli
2019 Prime Minister Thomas Thabane, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lesego Makgothi (TICAD7)
2019 Their Majesties King Letsie III and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso
2022 Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro
2024 Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Limpho Justice Tau (2024 TICAD Ministerial Meeting)

Bilateral Agreement

The waiver of visa requirement (1977)

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