Maseru, Lesotho – Lesotho has taken a significant step in expanding its diplomatic footprint by establishing official relations with The Plurinational State of Bolivia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations announced that Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoana has authorized Ambassador Matete ‘Nena, Lesotho’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, to sign the agreement on behalf of the Kingdom. Bolivia’s Foreign Minister, Diego Pary Rodriguez, signed on behalf of his country.
This decision, approved by the Lesotho Cabinet, aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Bolivia, a landlocked South American country with a population of over 12 million, gained independence from Spain in 1825.
Both Lesotho and Bolivia share common ground as members of the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) group. This shared status will enable the two countries to collaborate on issues of mutual interest and advocate for their concerns at the United Nations and other international platforms.
A key driver for this diplomatic move is Bolivia’s vast lithium reserves, a critical component in the production of rechargeable batteries for renewable energy storage and electronics. As Lesotho explores its potential in clean energy, particularly solar power, forging ties with Bolivia could open up opportunities for collaboration in this sector.
The signing ceremony took place at the level of the two countries’ Permanent Representatives to the United Nations.