Maseru, Lesotho – The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Lesotho, His Excellency Mr. Iiya Ragochev, paid a farewell courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Honourable Lejone Mpotjoana, as he concluded his tour of duty.
Diplomatic relations between Lesotho and the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R) were established in 1980. Subsequently, Russia opened a Resident Diplomatic Mission in Maseru from 1983 to 1992. During that time, diplomatic relations were strong, with many Basotho students receiving scholarships to study in Russian institutions of higher learning.
However, circumstances changed in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, Lesotho and Russia have maintained warm and friendly relations, characterized by mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty.
The Russian Federation represents Lesotho from Pretoria, Republic of South Africa, while Lesotho covers Russia from Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany.
