Lesotho reacted with shock to President Trump’s comments about its obscurity during a Congress speech. The country maintains strong relations with the US, including benefiting from US trade programs. Officials emphasized the importance of their diplomatic ties amid aid cuts from the US, including to health programs.
Lesotho has responded with shock to US President Donald Trump’s comment that “nobody has ever heard of” the small southern African nation. This remark was made during Trump’s speech to Congress, highlighting cuts to what he described as wasteful expenditures. His comment about the country, specifically referencing an $8 million allocation for LGBTQI+ promotion, drew laughter from some lawmakers.
In contrast, Lesotho’s government emphasized the cordial relations between Lesotho and the US, highlighting its status as a beneficiary of the US African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which provides favorable trade access to support economic development. Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane expressed astonishment at the President’s casual reference to a sovereign state, noting the presence of a US embassy in Lesotho and the country’s active participation in international bodies.
Officials from Lesotho characterized Trump’s remarks as uncalled-for, arguing they did not reflect the true nature of US-Lesotho relations. They affirmed their ongoing collaboration, with missions established in both Maseru and Washington. However, it was unclear whether the funds for LGBTQ organizations mentioned by Trump would be publicly confirmed by Lesotho officials, as such funding is managed by those organizations directly.
The remarks also came at a time when Lesotho has entered a period of uncertainty due to the reduction in US aid, including cuts to the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), which has provided crucial support for health initiatives in Lesotho since its launch in 2003. Mr. Mpotjoane acknowledged that while these funding cuts have impacted local programs, it is ultimately the US’s decision to determine aid allocation.
Lesotho’s government expressed shock over President Trump’s dismissive remarks regarding its prominence on the world stage, highlighting the importance of the bilateral relationship with the US. Despite acknowledging funding challenges due to cuts by the Trump administration, officials reiterated the strength of their diplomatic ties. This incident illustrates the ongoing complexities of international relations and the impact of political statements on global perceptions.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
