On the afternoon of September 2, 2024, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council met with Lesotho's Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, who is in China for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.

Li Qiang said that over the past 30 years since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Lesotho, the two countries have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, continuously enhanced political mutual trust, and steadily advanced mutually beneficial cooperation. President Xi Jinping and Lesotho's leader have jointly decided to elevate the China-Lesotho relationship to a strategic partnership. China is ready to work with Lesotho to implement the important common understandings reached by leaders of the two countries, continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests, carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, constantly enrich the connotation of China-Lesotho strategic partnership, and join hands and move forward together on the path of common development to create more benefits for the two peoples.

Li Qiang pointed out that China is ready to work with Lesotho to continue to expand the space for mutually beneficial cooperation, take high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as a guide, deepen cooperation in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, textile, education, tourism and other fields, and tap the potential for cooperation in emerging areas such as green development and the digital economy. China is ready to import more quality products from Lesotho, strengthen industrial synergy between the two sides, and better leverage complementary advantages. China is ready to work with Lesotho to actively implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, push forward an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, continuously increase the strength of the Global South, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between Lesotho and China. Lesotho values its relations with China and sincerely thanks China's long-term and valuable support for Lesotho's economic and social development. Lesotho firmly abides by the one-China principle, supports China in achieving complete reunification, and looks forward to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, education and other fields under the framework of FOCAC. Lesotho highly appreciates China's important role in promoting peace and stability in Africa and the world at large, and stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination between the two sides in international affairs, advance the African Union's Agenda 2063, and jointly address global challenges.

During the summit, China and Lesotho will sign several bilateral cooperation documents covering the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, and news, among others.

Wu Zhenglong was present at the meeting.