Lesotho’s government is shocked by President Trump’s remarks indicating that the nation is unknown globally. During his Congressional address, Trump criticized expenditures on LGBTQI+ promotions in Lesotho. Officials emphasized strong U.S.-Lesotho relations, while also noting significant impacts from U.S. funding cuts to healthcare programs like Pepfar.
The government of Lesotho has expressed shock at remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that “nobody has ever heard of” the southern African nation during his address to Congress. Trump criticized expenditures, specifically mentioning a fund to promote LGBTQI+ rights in Lesotho, which elicited laughter from some lawmakers.
A spokesperson from Lesotho’s foreign affairs department emphasized the nation’s “warm and cordial” relations with the United States. Lesotho is a beneficiary of the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which facilitates favorable trade access for economic growth.
Lesotho’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Lejone Mpotjoane, found it shocking that a head of state would refer to another sovereign nation in such a manner. He highlighted that Lesotho is recognized by the international community as a UN member state with a permanent U.S. mission in the country.
Officials characterized Trump’s remarks as an off-hand political comment, underscoring the strong ties that exist between Lesotho and the U.S. Pheko, a foreign affairs spokesperson, reiterated the cordial relations, affirming that both nations maintain diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals.
While Pheko could not confirm the specifics of Trump’s claims regarding LGBTQ funding, it was noted that Lesotho has felt the impact of the U.S. administration’s decision to halt aid financing, particularly concerning the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar). This program, established in 2003, has been crucial in funding health initiatives in Lesotho.
Despite the challenges posed by funding cuts, Mpotjoane refrained from criticizing the U.S. decision, acknowledging it as within their rights to determine aid allocations.
In summary, Lesotho’s government reacted with dismay to President Trump’s comments regarding the nation’s global recognition. Officials reaffirmed the strong diplomatic relations with the U.S., while also addressing the broader implications of funding cuts to critical health programs. Payments associated with Pepfar, on which Lesotho relies heavily, have been adversely affected, thereby posing challenges to the country’s health initiatives.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
