Africa-Press – Lesotho. Lesotho is continuing to reap the benefits of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as on Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in presence of Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso launched the 2026 People to People Exchanges programme.
During FOCAC 2024, China and African countries jointly agreed to designate 2026 as the China – Africa Year of People to People Exchanges and the official launch was held at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa Ethiopia last month.
In his remarks, Prince Seeiso said it is important to appreciate People to People Exchanges highlighting different levels of interaction within it from officials to ordinary people saying those exchanges are sustainable and have greater impact.
“These People to People Exchanges are lasting and go to the heart of who we are. As people we have a lot in common than we acknowledge and if have belief in ourselves of what we can achieve together, we can go far,” he said.
Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso addresses attendants of launch the 2026 People to People Exchanges programme.
He emphasised that sharing the journey they can go far saying that would be a partnership worth nurturing every minute, every 10 minutes and even every 10 years.
He added that with many initiatives sprouting up between the two countries as people they have to accommodate each other and as friends share with each the love and warmth.
He called on young generations to create the journey again and again because he believes there is strength in People to People Exchanges.
On the other hand, Consular Lu Hui said the launch in Maseru is therefore not just a ceremonial occasion, it is a concrete step in bringing that shared consensus from Addis Ababa to Lesotho, from vision to action.
He said, President Xi Jinping in his congratulatory letter had noted that exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations are an inexhaustible driving force for human progress, world peace and development. He had pointed out that China and Africa, as two great civilizations, have enriched each other over thousands of years and that this deep cultural affinity constitutes the historical and intellectual source of China–Africa friendship.
He said President Xi had expressed the hope that both sides would seize the People-to-People Exchange Year as an opportunity to carry forward traditional friendship, strengthen mutual learning among civilizations, expand exchanges especially among the youth, deepen governance experience sharing and jointly advance modernization.
He said China–Lesotho people-to-people exchanges stand out for their warmth, sincerity and human stories saying many of these stories are embodied in their young people.
“People-to-people exchanges do not exist in isolation; they are closely linked to a country’s development philosophy and governance vision. China’s emphasis on people-centred exchanges reflects our broader commitment to people-centred development”, he said.
He indicated that the launch of the China—Africa People-to-People Exchange Year in Lesotho should be understood as a practical embodiment of a shared development philosophy and a shared future vision.
“This year is also particularly meaningful as we mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, and the 60th anniversary of Lesotho’s independence”, he added.”
Moreover Consular Lu highlighted that the China–Africa People-to-People Exchange Year offers broad space for cooperation saying they look forward to working closely with Basotho to expand youth exchanges, increase scholarships and training opportunities, promote mutual visits by artistic and cultural groups, strengthen media and academic exchanges and encourage more grassroots and community-level cooperation.
He further emphasised that the launch should be taken as a new starting point to work together with sincerity and creativity while ensuring that the friendship between China and Lesotho and between China and Africa, continues to flourish, generation after generation.
Meanwhile it is at the same event where Sobukwe Mapefane, a Mosotho photographer was awarded 1st prize of the 2nd Youth Creations on Shared Prosperity under China – Africa Youth Festival.
Also present was the Principal Secretary from Ministry of Sports, Tourism and Arts Mrs. ‘Mantiti Khabo and other public officers from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
