PH Ambassador to South Africa Presents Credentials to King of Lesotho, Meets with High Gov’t Officials
Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Gerard B. Angeles presents his credentials to His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho. (Pretoria PE photo)
PRETORIA 09 December 2019 –– Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Gerard B. Angeles presented his credentials to King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho on 28 November 2019 at the Lesotho’s Royal Palace in Maseru.
The meeting between King Letsie III and Ambassador Angeles was very cordial. Ambassador Angeles conveyed to King Letsie III the greetings of President Duterte and thanked him for the hospitality and opportunity that have been extended to the Filipino community in Lesotho, who contribute to the economic growth of the country. Ambassador Angeles likewise expressed the Philippine’s desire to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries, especially in the context of South-South cooperation.
King Letsie III on his part welcomed the Philippine delegation, and mirrored his satisfaction on the friendly relations between the Philippines and Lesotho.The king mentioned that he knew Filipinos in Lesotho to be kind, efficient and hardworking, and said that they contributed positively to Lesotho’s economy and well-being. He also stated that he was aware of the impressive economic performance of the Philippines, particularly under the leadership of President Duterte, and he looked forward to learn lessons from the Philippines that might help Lesotho in its own path towards economic development.
Ambassador Angeles also had a meeting with Minister of Trade Halebonoe J. Setsabi, who is concurrently the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs. The discussions were fruitful, especially on sharing of the best practices and South-South cooperation, including in the fields of agriculture, health, Micro-Small-Medium Enterprise manufacturing, sports and culture, and Human Resource development and training. Both parties likewise discussed enhanced mutual cooperation and support in international forums such as the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement and G77.
A meeting between Prime Minister Dr. Tom Thabane and Ambassador Angeles was also held. Prime Minister Thabane reached deep into Lesotho’s past and thanked the Philippines for its steadfast opposition to the apartheid. Matters of mutual interest were likewise discussed. END
Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Jospeh Gerard B. Angeles reviews the Guard of Honor. (Pretoria PE photo)
Left photo: Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Gerard B. Angeles (leftmost) and King Letsie III of Lesotho (rightmost). Right photo: Ambassador Angeles signs the Palace’s official guest book. (Pretoria PE photo)
Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Gerard B. Angeles presents his gift to Prime Minister Dr. Tom Thabane. (Pretoria PE photo)
Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Gerard B. Angeles presents his gifts to His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho. (Pretoria PE photo)
Presenting of gifts and meeting with Minister of Trade and acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Halebonoe Setsabi. (Pretoria PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.pretoriape.dfa.gov.ph.