Maseru, Lesotho – His Excellency, Mr. David Martinon, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of France to the Kingdom of Lesotho, formally presented his credentials to His Majesty King Letsie III on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the Royal Palace in Maseru. Ambassador Martinon assumes his duties as the successor to His Excellency, Mr. Aurelién Lechevallier.
The diplomatic ties between Lesotho and France were established in 1833, marked by the arrival of the first missionaries from the Paris Evangelical Missionary Society (P.E.M.S.) in Lesotho at the invitation of King Moshoeshoe I, the revered founder of the Basotho nation.
France stands as one of the leading economies in Western Europe. The country holds a founding membership in the European Union (EU) and shares a common membership with Lesotho in various international organizations, including the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). France’s role within the EU is prominent, as it is one of the bloc’s largest financial contributors. Similarly, France extends substantial technical and financial support to Lesotho through various international organizations.
In his address to His Majesty King Letsie III, Ambassador Martinon expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome he had received. He pledged to dedicate his efforts to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Lesotho and France.
His Majesty King Letsie III graciously welcomed Ambassador Martinon to Lesotho, extending his appreciation for France’s unwavering support of Lesotho’s development endeavors.
The presentation of credentials marks a formal ceremony where an ambassador presents their credentials to the host country’s head of state. These credentials serve as a letter from the ambassador’s sending country to the host country, officially confirming the ambassador’s appointment and authorizing them to represent their sending country in the host country.
Lesotho and France share a long and rich history of collaboration. The two nations have engaged in joint efforts across a broad spectrum of areas, including development, education, and healthcare. France stands as a major donor to Lesotho, providing significant financial assistance to support the country’s progress.