Lesotho’s government reacted with shock to U.S. President Donald Trump’s comment that “nobody has heard of” the country during a congressional address. Lesotho has significant ties with the U.S., benefiting from the African Growth and Opportunity Act and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, despite recent aid cuts. Officials stress that the relationship between the two nations remains warm and cordial, even amid Trump’s controversial remarks.
Lesotho’s government has expressed shock regarding comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated during a congressional speech that “nobody has ever heard of” the southern African nation. This remark was made in the context of his critique on government spending, particularly referencing an $8 million allocation for LGBTQI+ initiatives in Lesotho, which elicited laughter from some lawmakers.
A spokesperson from Lesotho’s foreign affairs department articulated the nation’s surprise and emphasized that Lesotho has “warm and cordial” diplomatic relations with the United States. Lesotho benefits from the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which promotes beneficial trade access for various countries, aimed at enhancing economic growth.
Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane remarked on the inappropriateness of Trump’s comments, noting that Lesotho is recognized globally, being a member of the United Nations and other international organizations. Furthermore, he highlighted that the U.S. maintains a permanent mission in Lesotho, indicating the country’s significance in international relations.
Officials characterized Trump’s remarks as an ill-considered political statement that was unwarranted given the friendly ties between the two nations. Kutloano Pheko, another foreign affairs spokesperson, reaffirmed the cooperative relationship by mentioning the reciprocal presence of diplomatic missions in both countries.
While Mr. Pheko could not provide details on the specific funding for LGBTQ organizations, Foreign Affairs Minister Mpotjoane acknowledged that Lesotho had been impacted by disruptions in U.S. aid following Trump’s decision to pause financial assistance globally. Various organizations, particularly non-governmental, experienced turmoil following the announcement to permanently halt the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) funding.
Pepfar, initiated in 2003 by former President George W. Bush, has been a vital source of funding for health initiatives in Lesotho, such as TB and HIV programs. Nevertheless, Mr. Mpotjoane refrained from condemning the U.S. decisions, stating that it is within their right to determine aid allocations.
The comments made by President Trump regarding Lesotho have elicited strong reactions from the Lesotho government, emphasizing the nation’s existence and its importance in international relations. Despite maintaining warm diplomatic ties with the United States, the recent aid funding cuts represent a significant challenge for Lesotho, especially for health programs reliant on American support. The government remains diplomatic in its response, acknowledging the U.S.’s prerogative in deciding aid allocations.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
