Deng Xiaogang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), met with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in Beijing exchanging opinions on strengthening agricultural cooperation between China and Lesotho.
Vice Minister Deng said that, since the resumption of diplomatic relations and with the support and impetus of the leaders of both countries, China and Lesotho have maintained continuous exchange in agriculture. Significant progress has been made in areas such as Juncao farming, capacity building, and technology demonstration.
Earlier this year, the heads of state of both countries exchanged messages of congratulations. They also reached a consensus, which China is actively implementing, taking the 30th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations as a new starting point to further expand agricultural cooperation and promote development of friendly relations between the two countries. To this end, Vice Minister Deng suggested that China and Lesotho should negotiate and sign an agricultural cooperation agreement and establish a working mechanism to support regular exchanges as well as the planning and design of practical cooperation projects.
Prince Seeiso said Lesotho–China relations have grown healthier and stronger over the past 30 years. He also expressed his appreciation for China’s long–term support for Lesotho’s agricultural development. Prince Seeiso agreed that the two countries should establish an agricultural framework mechanism, so as to deepen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, increase Lesotho’s agricultural productivity and grain output at a faster pace, and conduct talent training and exchanges.
Lin Songtian, Deputy Director of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and Li Jinghui, Member of the CPC Leadership Group of MARA, attended the meeting.
