Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane (L) receives an interview with Xinhua in Thaba-Tseka District, Lesotho, March 6, 2026.(Xinhua/Chen Wei)

by Xinhua writers Hang Zebo, Bai Ge

MASERU, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Lesotho is willing to work with China to further advance bilateral cooperation and ensure that the partnership brings greater benefits to the two peoples, Prime Minister Sam Matekane has said.

In a recent interview with Xinhua at his residence in eastern Lesotho, Matekane said that Lesotho and China have maintained close cooperation and achieved fruitful results.

He noted that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Lesotho in January reflected the profound friendship between the two countries, as the two sides agreed on the need to further deepen cooperation and move bilateral ties forward.

He added that bilateral cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture and education has continued to deepen in recent years, contributing to Lesotho's economic and social development while improving people's livelihoods.

"Our priority is agriculture," Matekane said, noting that China's support in agricultural projects, including emergency food aid and agricultural machinery, has strengthened local farmers' confidence in improving food security.

On people-to-people exchanges, Matekane suggested that the two countries further expand cooperation in talent development and exchanges. He noted that through the Sebabatso Youth Empowerment Initiative, a program launched three years ago, many Basotho youths have acquired practical skills in China.

"One of our youths who studied trout fishing in China now runs his own fish farm," he said.

Additionally, Matekane welcomed China's decision to grant zero-tariff treatment on imports from African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, saying the move creates new opportunities for Lesotho to expand its exports and deepen trade ties with China.

"Lesotho's textiles have reached store shelves in China, with significant volumes exported," he said, demonstrating the potential for further cooperation in trade and investment.

On global affairs, Matekane stressed that Lesotho is a peaceful nation that supports resolving disputes through dialogue rather than conflict, and stands firmly for global peace and stability.

"China, as a major country, is standing firmly to try to bring peace to the world. This is what we expect China to do," he said.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Lesotho's independence. Matekane said that over the past six decades, Lesotho has made notable progress in economic and social development and has achieved greater political stability through reforms.

He said Lesotho will continue to pursue development in other sectors, particularly water resources. Describing Lesotho as the "water tower" of southern Africa, Matekane noted that there is strong investment potential in sectors such as renewable energy and infrastructure.

He welcomed Chinese companies to explore opportunities in renewable energy, wool and mohair production, and expressed hope for deeper cooperation in infrastructure development.

"I'm very confident that relations between Lesotho and China will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead," Matekane said. ■

Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane receives an interview with Xinhua in Thaba-Tseka District, Lesotho, March 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)