The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoane, has stressed the need for a new migration model between Lesotho and South Africa to address current cross-border challenges.
Mpotjoane made this call when delivering the opening remarks during the second session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between Lesotho and South Africa, yesterday.
He said the proposed model aims to improve security and facilitate smoother border crossing, thereby easing tensions and promoting cooperation between the two countries.
It would also provide lasting solutions for Basotho workers and those seeking employment in South Africa.
At the heart of the BNC, Mpotjoane noted, was strong economic cooperation between the two countries.
The two-day forum focuses on fostering stronger political and bilateral relations between the two countries, deepening economic cooperation and law enforcement. It also seeks to address migration matters, review implementation of the outcomes of the inaugural session of the BNC, identify new priority areas as well as exchange views on regional, continental and global issues of mutual concern.
Mpotjoane indicated that the forum presents a valuable opportunity for the two countries to collaborate on strategic initiatives, leveraging their respective strengths to address shared challenges and promote regional integration.
The summit also aims to review progress on agreements made and adopted during the previous BNC session held in Pretoria in September, 2023.
For his part, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, underscored the importance of enhancing solidarity among countries of the region and the global South, particularly in response to ongoing geopolitical shifts.
He said that among the key agreements made during the previous BNC were strengthening of economic relations between the two countries, addressing migration challenges faced by both nations, tackling transnationalorganised crime, border-related crimes and illegal mining among others.
“The selfless contribution of Lesotho during our struggle for freedom and democracy remain deeply entrenched in the minds of many people of South Africa,” Lamola added.
