President Cyril Ramaphosa will make a practical visit to Maseru in the Kingdom of Lesotho on Wednesday, co-chairing the second session of the Bilateral Commission (BNC) between South Africa and Lesotho.
President Ramaphosa – accompanied by 15 ministers – will co-chair the second session with Samuel Nutkone Matekane, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho.
In a statement Tuesday, the presidency said the bilateral committee of South Africa and Ruto will follow the first session held in Pretoria in September 2023.
“The promotion of bilateral cooperation to the BNC level in 2022 was a recognition of a solid foundation upon which relations between the two countries were established. Furthermore, it is a practical demonstration of the two countries’ determination that cooperation from various sectors should benefit all,” the statement read.
The presidency said South Africa will use upcoming sessions from the BNC to promote greater solidarity between the region and southern countries in light of geopolitical changes.
“South Africa also highlights the strategic importance of the Lesotho Highland Water Project (LHWP) and the need to promote the rapid implementation of Phase II of the project, taking into account the agreed timeline and allocated budgets.
“Many South African companies have invested heavily in Lesotho, which has created thousands of jobs. The bilateral committee is also expected to reflect the movement of people between the two states,” the president said.
This week’s involvement between the two countries will focus on: among other discussions:
• Promote stronger political and bilateral relations between the two countries.
・Deepen economic cooperation.
• Review the implementation of the results of the first session of BNC and identify new priority areas. and
• Exchange opinions on global issues of regional, continental, and mutual concern.
The BNC will be preceded by the High-ranking Conference (SOM) and Ministerial Conference scheduled for April 22, 2025.
