merrion street

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, met this morning with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Lesotho, Mr. Lesego Makgothi.

At the meeting, the Tánaiste and Foreign Minister Makgothi discussed a range of issues, including the strong relationship between Ireland and Lesotho, which is underpinned by a long tradition of Irish development and missionary activity dating back to the late 19^th century. Opportunities for further cooperation, in order to deepen the partnership between Ireland and Lesotho, were also discussed.

Speaking after the meeting, the Tánaiste said:

It was a pleasure to meet Minister Makgothi again, following our meeting in New York at the UN General Assembly last September. We had a wide ranging discussion, reaffirming the close ties between Ireland and Lesotho, and explored paths for further engagement. The longstanding friendship between Ireland and Lesotho is rooted in the significant and historic relations between our two countries and we look forward to continuing this relationship and building on it further.

During his visit, Minister Lesego Makgothi also met with Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Mr. Ciarán Cannon and attended Irish Aid’s Africa Day celebrations in Farmleigh Estate on Sunday 27^th May.

Minister of State Ciaran Cannon said:

I was delighted to meet with Minister Makgothi yesterday and it was also my great pleasure to welcome him to Africa Day last Sunday, where the vibrant cultures and traditions of the African continent and links between Africa and Ireland are celebrated.