The Kingdom of Lesotho continues to elevate its global diplomatic presence, as Honourable Lejone Mpotjoana, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, held a productive bilateral meeting with Her Excellency Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission. The meeting took place on the margins of the recent AU-EU Ministerial Meeting, underscoring the deepening relationship between Lesotho and the European Union.
At the centre of the discussions was a shared vision for enhanced economic cooperation and sustainable development. Minister Mpotjoana strongly advocated for greater access to the EU market for Lesotho’s goods, highlighting the country’s potential to contribute meaningfully to European supply chains. He noted that expanding trade ties is not only vital for Lesotho’s economic growth, but also key to job creation and poverty reduction.
The Honourable Minister used the platform to outline Lesotho’s strategic development priorities, particularly in renewable energy and agriculture. He spotlighted Lesotho’s growing potential as a net exporter of clean energy within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), reinforcing the country’s commitment to regional energy security and green economic transformation.
In the area of agriculture, Minister Mpotjoana detailed national plans to establish agricultural aggregation centres aimed at increasing exports and supporting school feeding programmes. These programmes, he noted, are not only critical for improving food security and child nutrition, but also align with Lesotho’s leadership in global nutrition efforts, as His Majesty King Letsie III continues to serve as a distinguished African Union Nutrition Champion.
Responding positively to Lesotho’s ambitious proposals, H.E. Kaja Kallas affirmed the European Commission’s keen interest in supporting Lesotho’s development goals. She pledged to liaise with the EU Commissioner for Agriculture to explore tailored support for Lesotho’s agricultural growth and food security initiatives.
In a significant reassurance, Vice-President Kallas also confirmed that there are no plans to close the EU Delegation Office in Lesotho, despite broader internal reforms across EU delegations. This affirmation reflects the EU’s unwavering commitment to its partnership with Lesotho, and its continued support for the country’s socio-economic development.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen bilateral ties and advance common priorities under the broader AU-EU strategic partnership. Both leaders expressed optimism for the future of Lesotho-EU relations, grounded in mutual respect, sustainable development, and inclusive growth. This high-level engagement not only reaffirmed Lesotho’s place on the global stage, but also positioned the country as a proactive partner in shaping the future of Africa-Europe cooperation.
