…as govt, EU sign M324 million cooperation pact

Moroke Sekoboto

PRIME Minister Sam Matekane has revealed that his cabinet has approved visa-free entry into Lesotho for all citizens of European Union (EU) member states.

This he said during the two-day Lesotho-EU Partnership Dialogue at ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre this week.

Lesotho and EU also signed a new agreement amounting to €16 million (about M324 million), which Mr Matekane described as a powerful platform for aligning priorities, measuring progress, and developing joint solutions to emerging challenges.

The premier said the visa-free initiative formed part of Lesotho’s broader effort to deepen ties with the EU.

The high-level dialogue, held on Wednesday and Thursday, marked a renewal of the long-standing partnership between Lesotho and the EU — a relationship spanning nearly five decades. It also celebrated 49 years of cooperation, rooted in shared values of democracy, sustainable development, peace, and inclusive governance.

“For almost 50 years, the EU has stood with us through times of both challenge and triumph,” Mr Matekane said.

“They have helped strengthen our democratic institutions, expand access to education and healthcare, and promote rural development.”

He praised the EU’s support for national reforms, especially its role in promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusion.

“From infrastructure projects to humanitarian aid, EU assistance has empowered Basotho and helped us build a more resilient and equitable society,” he said.

Mr Matekane reaffirmed his government’s commitment to inclusive reforms that amplify the voices of marginalised communities. He also highlighted Lesotho’s push towards clean energy, citing investments in solar, hydro, and wind energy as essential to the country’s self-reliance and economic dignity.

“Equally important is our partnership through the Civil Society Facility, which reaffirms that empowered citizens are the backbone of democracy. These initiatives are more than projects — they are the foundation of the Lesotho we aspire to: a just, green, and prosperous nation.

“I am confident that through open and constructive dialogue, our partnership will continue to evolve in ways that directly benefit the people of Lesotho

“In order to take these matters forward and enhance our partnership further, Lesotho’s cabinet has approved visa free request for European countries. The implementation details shall follow. And I can also assure you that they are very close to finality. Much has been done already and very soon we will be talking something else.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoane, said the dialogue highlighted not just Europe’s commitment to peace and prosperity, but also how deeply those values align with Lesotho’s vision for sustainable development and inclusive governance.

“As we approach the 50-year milestone of our relationship with the EU, we reflect on what we’ve achieved and look forward to deepening our cooperation,” Mr Mpotjoane said.

He also said the 25th anniversary of the African Union–EU partnership was a continental alliance that had championed unity and common development goals.

“The €16 million agreements target three critical areas: good governance, renewable energy, and civil society development. These are strategic priorities that will help us make tangible progress.”

For her part, the EU Ambassador to Lesotho, Paola Amadei, echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, saying this year’s dialogue, held during Europe Month, reaffirmed the shared commitment to democracy, human rights, and green development.

“The Partnership Dialogue is a chance to take stock of our relationship and look to the future. From trade to climate change, this gathering highlights the enduring bond between Lesotho and the EU,” Ms Amadei said.

“As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration — the foundation of the European Union — we also celebrate a strong and fruitful partnership with Lesotho.”

The Dialogue, now in its third year as a flagship event of Europe Month, brought together EU ambassadors, government ministers, and civil society leaders to deepen engagement on critical issues including governance, regional integration, business climate, water access, and climate change.

“We are delighted to host this gathering just days after Europe Day on 9 May. Just like King Moshoeshoe I, the EU’s founding fathers believed in peace, solidarity, and sustainable development.”

Lesotho and the EU have enjoyed formal ties since 1976, when the EU Delegation opened in Maseru. Over the decades, their cooperation has grown beyond aid to include political dialogue, trade, education, and cultural exchange — especially through programmes like Erasmus+.

“Today, the partnership is guided by the Samoa Agreement, signed in November 2023 between the EU and 79 countries from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The accord sets a broad framework for political, economic, and development collaboration, covering around 2 billion people worldwide.

“With representatives from 14 EU member states attending, this is the largest EU delegation to ever participate in a Lesotho-EU Dialogue.

“Among the attendees were ambassadors and senior representatives from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. Each delegation played an active role in the discussions and reaffirmed their countries’ support for Lesotho.

“The European Investment Bank also joined the gathering for the first time, with a representative travelling all the way from Luxembourg. This marked the largest ever presence of EU member states in any Lesotho-EU Dialogue, underscoring the significance of this year’s engagement.”

The representatives in attendance included:

• Germany: Andreas Peschke
• Ireland: Austin Gormley
• Netherlands: Joanne Doornewaard
• Czech Republic: Tomas Ulicny
• Italy: Alberto Vecchi
• Finland: Pekka Metso
• Lithuania: Ambassador-designate Rasa Jankauskaite

• Austria: Alexander Eriksroed-Burger
• Belgium: Amandine Sonck
• Denmark: Signe Dam
• France: Alexandre Brochard
• Portugal: Antonio Sabido Costa
• Spain: Fernando de Castro Cardo
• Sweden: Karin Berlin