Russian Ambassador Roman Ambarov has extended congratulations to Lesotho on Africa Day and Heroes Day, reaffirming Moscow’s commitment to a stronger bilateral partnership and calling on Maseru to deepen dialogue with Russia as the continent reshapes itself into a multipolar order.
In a message issued on the occasion of 25 May, Ambassador Ambarov described the date as carrying a double significance for the Mountain Kingdom, uniting what he called the rhythm of pan-African solidarity with the deep pulse of national remembrance.
Africa Day marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in Addis Ababa in 1963, when African leaders resolved to end colonialism and forge a common destiny. Ambarov said Russia, then the Soviet Union, had stood with Africa in that struggle, citing what he described as a shared belief in every nation’s right to chart its own course free from external domination.
On Heroes Day, the Ambassador drew a line from King Moshoeshoe the Great through the Gun War to the political pioneers of independence and the human rights defenders who sheltered the persecuted during apartheid. He described Lesotho’s heroes as woven into the fabric of the African Renaissance, and said Russia honours their memory with an understanding of the cost of defending sovereignty, given its own history.
Ambarov presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Letsie III on 27 August 2025. He said the King had spoken of the need to evolve the historic friendship into a stronger and more efficient partnership for the twenty-first century. The then Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoane, had echoed that sentiment, indicating Lesotho’s readiness to deepen dialogue and explore new horizons.
In February 2026 the Ambassador conducted a working visit to Maseru, during which the capital hosted for the first time a reception marking Russian Diplomatic Workers’ Day. The reception marked 46 years of formal bilateral relations. During the event, Ambarov noted that Russia-Africa trade has reached approximately 27 billion United States dollars, and said Russia is ready to support Lesotho in energy security, agriculture and grain supply.
“These are not abstract figures or distant promises. They are signposts on a shared road towards food sovereignty, economic resilience and a more balanced global partnership.”
— Ambassador Roman Ambarov
The Ambassador also said Russia looks forward to hosting a Lesotho delegation at the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, scheduled for 28 to 29 October 2026.
Ambarov extended wishes of sound health and success to His Majesty King Letsie III, the Prime Minister and the Government, and offered his respect to every family in Lesotho.
The message was issued by the Embassy of the Russian Federation to the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho.
