MASERU
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoana, has welcomed two new representatives from the United Nations to Lesotho. On Wednesday, Mpotjoana received the Letters of Credence of Taija Mari Johanna Kontinen-Sharp as the United Nations Resident Coordinator to the Kingdom of Lesotho.
In receiving Kontinen-Sharp’s credentials, Mpotjoana reaffirmed Lesotho’s commitment to working with the United Nations to achieve sustainable development. He expressed optimism that Kontinen-Sharp’s leadership will strengthen collaboration between Lesotho and the UN, particularly in advancing inclusive governance, sustainable development and expanding opportunities for all Basotho.
The Minister also received the Letters of Appointment of Alankar Malviya as Country Director and Representative of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to Lesotho. Malviya will oversee UNAIDS operations in Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa and will be based in Pretoria.
Mpotjoana praised the continued alliance between Lesotho and UNAIDS in coordinating and strengthening the national HIV response. Lesotho has made significant progress in combating HIV and AIDS, achieving the 95-95-95 HIV treatment targets in 2024. The government is committed to working with UNAIDS and other stakeholders to consolidate gains made and end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The Government of Lesotho values its companionship with the UN system, which is aligned with the country’s national development priorities. The UN’s support has been instrumental in Lesotho’s progress towards achieving sustainable development and improving the lives of its citizens.
Kontinen-Sharp expressed her commitment to working closely with the Government of Lesotho to elevate the country’s development agenda. She vowed to aid Lesotho’s efforts to achieve its development goals and improve the lives of its people.
Malviya also expressed his commitment to strengthening UNAIDS’ partnership with Lesotho, particularly in the areas of HIV prevention, treatment and care. He pledged to work closely with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that Lesotho achieves its HIV goals.
The presentation of credentials marks a new chapter in Lesotho’s union with the UN. The Government of Lesotho looks forward to working with Kontinen-Sharp and Malviya to achieve its development goals and improve the lives of its citizens.
