Lesotho Reaffirms Commitment to OACPS During Brussels Meeting on Trade, Investment and Cooperation

The Kingdom of Lesotho reaffirmed its commitment to the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) during a high-level meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on 1 October 2026. The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister of Lesotho, Justice Nthomeng Majara, paid a courtesy call on the OACPS Secretary-General, H.E. Moussa Saleh Batraki, as part of Lesotho’s international engagement. The meeting created an opportunity for the two sides to discuss issues of mutual interest and consider areas where cooperation can be strengthened. Discussions covered the Samoa Agreement ratification, trade and investment opportunities, migration, political cooperation and the future sustainability of the OACPS. The engagement highlighted Lesotho’s continued interest in working with the organisation on matters that affect its national priorities and wider international partnerships.

The meeting between Justice Nthomeng Majara and Secretary-General Moussa Saleh Batraki also provided an opportunity for Lesotho to reaffirm its commitment to the OACPS and its role within the organisation. The OACPS brings together states from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, creating a framework for cooperation among countries that share interests in areas including development, trade and international relations. For Lesotho, participation in such a multilateral organisation provides an avenue to engage with other member states on issues that have implications for economic development and international cooperation. The Brussels meeting therefore had significance beyond a courtesy call, as it allowed Lesotho to engage directly with the leadership of the organisation. It also demonstrated the importance of maintaining diplomatic dialogue as countries address changing global economic and political conditions.

One of the key issues discussed was the ratification of the Samoa Agreement. The agreement provides a framework for cooperation between the European Union and OACPS member states and covers a wide range of areas relevant to development and international partnerships. Ratification is an important process because it determines a country’s formal participation in the agreement and its institutional framework. Lesotho’s engagement on the matter reflects the importance it attaches to its relationship with the European Union and the wider OACPS partnership. The discussion with the Secretary-General provided an opportunity to exchange views on the agreement and its relevance to Lesotho’s interests.

Trade and investment opportunities also featured prominently in the discussions between the Lesotho delegation and the OACPS leadership. For Lesotho, expanding trade and attracting productive investment are important components of efforts to strengthen the national economy. International partnerships can create opportunities for businesses to access markets, develop production capacity and participate in regional and international value chains. Investment can also support infrastructure, skills development and the growth of industries that contribute to employment and economic activity. The OACPS provides a platform through which member states can exchange perspectives on these issues and explore areas of common interest.

Trade remains particularly important for developing economies because access to international markets can influence the competitiveness of local producers and manufacturers. Lesotho has an established interest in expanding its international economic partnerships and creating opportunities for investment across sectors of its economy. Engagement through the OACPS can complement Lesotho’s bilateral and regional relationships by providing another platform for discussing trade policy and economic cooperation. The Brussels meeting allowed these issues to be considered at a senior political level. Continued dialogue can help identify areas where cooperation may support Lesotho’s economic objectives while also advancing broader OACPS interests.

Migration was another issue raised during the meeting. Migration affects countries in different ways and requires cooperation between states because movements of people often involve more than one jurisdiction. Discussions on migration can include issues related to mobility, development and cooperation between countries of origin, transit and destination. For Lesotho, maintaining dialogue on migration within a multilateral framework provides an opportunity to contribute to discussions on policies that affect its citizens and international relationships. Addressing migration effectively requires countries to balance national interests with the need for orderly and cooperative approaches.

Political cooperation also formed part of the discussions between the Deputy Prime Minister and the OACPS Secretary-General. Multilateral political cooperation gives countries an opportunity to exchange views on regional and international developments while building relationships around shared interests. For smaller states such as Lesotho, participation in multilateral organisations provides an important channel for engaging in international discussions. Cooperation through the OACPS can help member states coordinate positions and strengthen their collective engagement on issues of common concern. The meeting in Brussels reinforced the value Lesotho places on maintaining these diplomatic relationships.

The future sustainability of the OACPS was also discussed, highlighting the need for the organisation to remain effective and responsive to the changing needs of its member states. Sustainability involves maintaining the capacity of the organisation to deliver on its objectives while ensuring that member states continue to see value in its work. As global economic and political conditions evolve, international organisations must adapt to new challenges and opportunities. The OACPS has a broad membership spanning three regions, which makes effective coordination important for maintaining its relevance. Lesotho’s participation in discussions about the organisation’s future demonstrates its interest in contributing to that wider conversation.

The timing of the meeting in Brussels was also significant because it brought together issues of diplomacy, development, trade and international cooperation within a single engagement. Lesotho has continued to use high-level international meetings to advance its interests and strengthen relationships with institutions and partner countries. The courtesy call on the OACPS Secretary-General provided another opportunity to communicate Lesotho’s priorities directly to the organisation’s leadership. It also allowed both sides to exchange perspectives on issues that extend beyond individual countries and require cooperation at regional or international level. Such engagements form part of the broader work of diplomacy, where sustained dialogue can help countries develop shared approaches to common challenges.

The meeting between Justice Nthomeng Majara and H.E. Moussa Saleh Batraki therefore reflected Lesotho’s continued engagement with the OACPS and its commitment to multilateral cooperation. The discussions covered several issues with direct relevance to Lesotho’s development and international relations, including the Samoa Agreement ratification, trade and investment, migration and political cooperation. The focus on the future sustainability of the OACPS also showed an interest in ensuring that the organisation remains capable of serving its member states. These areas of discussion are closely connected because effective international cooperation can influence opportunities for economic development, diplomatic engagement and policy coordination. Lesotho’s participation demonstrates its intention to remain actively engaged in these discussions.

The 1 October 2026 meeting in Brussels was ultimately an important diplomatic engagement for the Kingdom of Lesotho. By meeting the OACPS Secretary-General, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Lesotho’s commitment to an organisation that provides a platform for cooperation among African, Caribbean and Pacific states. The discussions addressed practical issues that matter to Lesotho, from the Samoa Agreement and international trade to investment, migration and political cooperation. They also placed attention on the need to consider how the OACPS can remain sustainable and effective in the future. As Lesotho continues to pursue its national development and foreign policy priorities, sustained engagement with the OACPS can remain an important part of its multilateral cooperation.