Relations With Lesotho Strengthened

China and Lesotho will root out any problems that arise in their friendship so as to put bilateral ties on a healthy track, and bilateral ties will be handled from a long-term, strategic perspective, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said Monday.

Zhu made the remarks while holding talks with visiting Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, who arrived on Sunday afternoon for a six-day official visit to China at Zhu's invitation.

During the talks, the two leaders exchanged views on China-Lesotho relations and other issues of common concern and they reached consensus on a wide ranges of issues.

Zhu said that as early as the 1950s and 1960s, the Chinese people extended sympathy to and support for the Lesotho people's struggle for national independence, and the two countries thereafter forged a profound friendship.

Mosisili's current visit to China is sure to elevate the bilateral ties to a new level, Zhu stressed.

Zhu also spoke highly of the bilateral ties, noting that the two nations had scored remarkable achievements of friendly co-operation in the fields of politics, economy, culture, education and health care.

He cited the example that the visit by King Letsie III of Lesotho in 1999 had furthered the understanding and friendship between China and Lesotho.

China has always held that all nations, big or small, rich or poor, are equal in the international community, and China is willing to develop a steady, sincere and long-term co-operative relationship of mutual interest with Lesotho, Zhu stressed.

As for bilateral trade and economic co-operation, Zhu said that the help offered by China, although not handsome, was sincere and without any conditions, and China encourages Chinese enterprises to conduct co-operation with enterprises in Lesotho.

Zhu also extended thanks to Mosisili for Lesotho's adherence to the one-China policy as well as its support of China in international affairs.

Mosisili extended congratulations on China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its successful bid to host the Olympic Games 2008.

While applauding China's achievements in economic reform and socialist modernization, Mosisili said that Lesotho can learn a lot from China's experience in developing its economy, improving people's life and eliminating poverty.

The co-operation between Lesotho and China in various fields has furthered the friendship between the two countries and Lesotho welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in Lesotho.

(China Daily December 4, 2001)