MASERU, LESOTHO – His Majesty King Letsie III has paid special tribute to His Majesty the King and the Kingdom of Eswatini for the strong bond of ties with the Basotho.
Addressing the Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Setsoto Stadium, the Lesotho King described the King’s presence at the celebrations as having profound significance.
“We are especially honored by the presence of His Majesty King Mswati III, King of the Kingdom of Eswatini, on this momentous occasion. His Majesty’s presence is a powerful reflection of the deep and enduring bonds that exist between the kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini,” said King Letsie III.
He told the gathering that the two nations share a rich history, enduring cultural affinities and longstanding ties.
“These bonds transcend the formal relations between two sovereign states. They are rooted in a shared heritage and strengthened over generations through mutual respect, solidarity and close people-to-people connections. The presence of His Majesty today, therefore, carries profound significance and serves as a testament to the strength and endurance of the historic relations between our two kingdoms,” he stated.
The King also expressed the deep gratitude of the Basotho nation to foreign governments, diplomatic missions and international organizations, including the African Union, the Commonwealth and the United Nations, who have supported the country since it gained independence on October 4, 1966.
“This historic milestone is not only an occasion to reflect upon our shared history and the achievements of the past 60 years. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the enduring bonds of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation that have strengthened Lesotho’s place within the community of nations,” His Majesty stated.
He called for stronger international cooperation, democratic governance, and sustainable development while acknowledging the vital role played by international partners in delivering technical assistance, development support, and diplomatic solidarity over the past six decades.
Looking to the future, His Majesty reaffirmed Lesotho’s dedication to shared global values, human dignity and regional stability.
“Looking into the future, we stand ready to deepen our cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including climate action, food and water security, renewable energy, digital transformation, broad economic development and regional stability,” he stated.
The monarch emphasised that the national milestone extended far beyond celebrating statehood alone.
“The Diamond Jubilee is, therefore, more than a celebration of Lesotho’s sovereignty. It is a celebration of the friendships that have sustained us, the partnerships that have empowered us and the shared aspirations that continue to unite us,” he stated.
