Africa-Press – Lesotho. France Ambassador to Lesotho, South Africa and Malawi Aurélien Lechevallier said Basotho and French people enjoy many years’ of cordial relations. This he said on the occasion of the celebration of the Bastille Day and the unveiling ceremony of the revamped premises of the Alliance Française de Maseru on Wednesday last week.
Bastille Day is celebrated annually on July 14th in France, to commemorate the French revolution, which resulted to the ‘freedom of French people’ following the toppling of the French absolute monarchy during the 19th Century.
The Ambassador remarked that: “Basotho and the French people share long-lasting ties. We are historically united. We are united in the desire for independence, justice and cultural autonomy.
” He urged the two nations not to forget their cooperation whose roots can be traced back to the ancient history.
“This sustained presence is embodied today, first and foremost, by the Alliance française of Maseru, and its wonderful team,” he noted. The Alliance Française de Maseru is a linguistic and cultural exchange bridge between France and Lesotho.
The centre offers opportunities for Basotho to learn the French language and works in collaboration with local institutions and government entities like the Ministry of Education and Training.
“Our excellent relation is also embodied by the nationals of both countries, most of them volunteers, who work daily to bring our peoples closer.
Some of them work in international organizations, development agencies, others for NGOs. Some of them live in Maseru, most of them live in rural areas, far from the capital.
They came here with their families, and the desire to give of themselves, to offer their energy to the Basotho people, and to write here a part of their personal history”, Lechevallier said.
The Ambassador further bade farewell and thanked the Director of Alliance Francaise de Maseru and Honorary Consul of France in Lesotho Jennifer Audebert whose tour of duty in Lesotho ended on Wednesday 6th July.
Speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Hon. Tšeliso Kalake said the two nations have always enjoyed the cordial and ‘unbroken’ relations dating as far back as 1833, when the first Missionaries set foot in Lesotho.
He said through their mission, the French came to know Lesotho better, adding that France remains one of the Lesotho’s reliable partners. The Deputy Minister further took stock of the Alliance Française de Maseru, saying its presence has brought a sustainable contribution through the teaching of French language and through facilitating cultural exchange initiatives between the two nations.
In attendance, were the European Union (EU) Head of Delegation Paola Amadei, United States (US) Ambassador to Lesotho Maria Brewer, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, government officials and representatives from civil society organizations.
Lesotho-France has enjoyed relations since the times of King Moshoeshoe I, having introduced the protestant missionaries in the country. The year 2007 saw King Letsie III visit France for Africa-France Summit and also the Monarch attended the COP 21 in 2015.
Meanwhile, the two nations are set to hold the general elections within the same year, with France having already held the earlier in April and Lesotho later in October.
For More News And Analysis About Lesotho Follow Africa-Press
