29 May 2014- Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. bade farewell to Lesotho Prime Minister Tom Thabane on May 15 at the Prime Minister’s office in Maseru, Lesotho.

During the farewell call, Ambassador Vingno cited the excellent bilateral relations between the Philippines and Lesotho and highlighted areas of further cooperation. The Ambassador also noted that the increased people-to-people interaction between both countries contributes to the enhancement of the bilateral relationship as proven by the growing Filipino community in Lesotho.

Ambassador Vingno thanked the Prime Minister for the assistance received from Lesotho officials, especially those from the Foreign Ministry, during his tour-of-duty, and conveyed to the Prime Minister that the Lesotho government’s cooperation had facilitated the accomplishment of his mission. 

Ambassador Vingno likewise called on Foreign Minister Mohlabi Tsekoa on May 16.The Minister imparted his desire to reinvigorate bilateral relations in the field of education.  He noted that there were already various medical practitioners of Filipino nationality in the Kingdom of Lesotho, making a special mention of a Filipina dentist that currently attends to the King, and adding that Filipinos have integrated themselves quite comfortably into Lesotho society.

The Filipino community in Lesotho  held a farewell party for Ambassador Vingno and Madame Yoko Ramos-Vingno which was attended by Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, led by Ambassador Matete Nena, Director for Asia Pacific Realm of the Lesotho Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Vingno and Madame Yoko thanked the community for the cooperation they extended to him during his tour of duty.  The Filipino Association in Lesotho, headed by its President, Mr. Toto Fontamillas, gave Ambassador Vingno a plaque of appreciation for his contribution and assistance to the Filipino community during his tour-of-duty. END