India and Lesotho held the 5th round of Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation on 2nd August 2023 in Maseru, Lesotho. The Indian side was led by Shri Puneet R. Kundal, JS(E&SA) in Ministry of External Affairs and the Lesotho side was led by Mr. Thabang Polycarp Lekhela, Deputy Principal Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho.
During the meeting, the two sides carried out a comprehensive review of the existing bilateral relations, including enhancing of cooperation in development partnership, trade and economic relations, energy, agriculture, health, art and culture and consular matters. Both sides also reviewed the status of MOUs under negotiation and agreed to expedite their finalization for the mutual benefit of both the countries.
The two sides agreed to enhance high level exchanges and have regular meetings of the institutional mechanisms to keep up the momentum in bilateral relations. The Indian side invited Lesotho to join International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
The two sides also exchanged views on regional issues as well as cooperation in multilateral fora including the United Nations.
Both sides agreed to hold the next round of Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation at mutually convenient dates in New Delhi.