Russia - Lesotho relations
RUSSIAN-LESOTHO RELATIONS
Diplomatic relations between the USSR and the Kingdom of Lesotho were established on February 1, 1980. From 1983 to 1992, the Soviet Union's Embassy operated in Maseru, followed by the Russian Embassy.
In the mid-1980s, agreements were signed between the two countries regarding cooperation in the fields of culture and science, economic and technical cooperation, as well as establishing links between TASS and the Lesotho Information Agency.
The most active interaction with the Kingdom occurs in the field of foreign policy based on shared positions or similar approaches on key issues of the global and regional agenda. Delegations from both countries collaborate on various international platforms, primarily in the UN and its specialized agencies. In 2023, Lesotho supported a number of important Russian draft resolutions in the UN General Assembly, in particular, regarding the fight against the glorification of Nazism, achievements in the field of informatization and telecommunications in the context of international security, the non-placement of weapons in space, measures of transparency and trust in space activities, and further practical steps to prevent the arms race in outer space. Requests for mutual support during elections held within international organizations are considered in a spirit of partnership.
Russia provides humanitarian assistance to the Kingdom. In particular, food products (2014, worth 1 million USD) and medical equipment (2014 and 2019, worth 1 million USD each) were transferred to the partners.
Regular contacts take place between Russian and Lesotho officials. Our country has hosted the Deputy Prime Minister (2018), Chairman of the Senate (2018 and 2019), Speaker of the National Assembly (2017), Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations (2019), Ministers of Tourism, Environment, and Culture (2014 and 2015), Police and Public Safety (2016), and Health (2017).
In November 2021, a meeting was held in Pretoria between the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation on the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia H.E. Mr. Mikhail Bogdanov, and the Lesotho Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Ms. Matsepo Molise-Ramakoae. On April 28, 2023, Mr. Mikhail Bogdanov made a working visit to Maseru, where he was received by His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, National Security and Environment of Lesotho Hon. Samuel Matekane, and the current head of Lesotho’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lejone Mpotjoana.
On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Lesotho (celebrated on February 1, 2025), Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho Lejone Mpotjoane exchanged messages of greetings. The foreign ministers confirmed Moscow's and Maseru’s interest in developing cooperation between the two countries in political, trade-economic, and other areas, as well as expanding interaction on current international issues.
The Ambassador and diplomats from the Russian Embassy in South Africa and Lesotho regularly visit Maseru (the latest visit took place in January 2025). Ties have been established and are maintained with representatives of Lesotho's ministries and organizations.
One of the most promising areas of development in bilateral relations with Lesotho is education. Approximately 40 citizens of the Kingdom have studied at Soviet and Russian universities, including several state and public figures, as well as entrepreneurs. The Lesotho side has expressed interest in concluding bilateral agreements in the field of education.
Maseru is also showing interest in establishing cooperation with the Russian side in the field of geological exploration, extraction, and processing of natural diamonds.
The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Lesotho is concurrently the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to South Africa, H.E. Mr. Roman Ambarov (appointed by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation on September 6, 2024, No. 749).
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the Federal Republic of Germany, to be accredited to the Russian Federation, is H.E. Ms. M.Molala
The Honourary Consul of Lesotho in Moscow is Russian citizen D.Sherkovin (appointed on October 26, 2005).
