The scope of bilateral ties between Namibia and Lesotho as well as SADC regional matters were the focus of discussions between President Hage Geingob and the visiting Prime Minister of Lesotho, Samuel Matekane.

Prime Minister Matekane was on a one-day official visit to Namibia, his first since assuming office last month.

While acknowledging Namibia's oversight of Lesotho's general elections, Matekane says there is a range of areas in which the two states can cooperate.

Broadening Lesotho's trade base within SADC and beyond through a number of initiatives is just some of the many promises Matekane made during his inauguration ceremony.

SADC is still seized with the reforms in Lesotho as outlined in the Omnibus Bill, amending the key provisions regarding political parties, floor-crossing in parliament, the appointment of senior officials, and the role of the prime minister. 

President Geingob, as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation, had delegated to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa the responsibility of continuing to assist the Matekane-led administration in implementing the reforms.

Namibia and Lesotho's economic trade is mainly under the scope of the Southern African Customs Union, which has three other member states.

Prime Minister Matekane and accompanying delegation members left Namibia this afternoon.

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Author
Blanche Goreses