Lesotho and Armenia have formally established diplomatic relations following the signing of a joint communiqué at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday by Lesotho permanent representative to the UN, Matete Nena, and his Armenian counterpart Paruyr Hovhannisyan.
The move marks the beginning of official bilateral engagement between the two nations, aimed at fostering cooperation in multilateral forums and exploring opportunities for collaboration in areas such as education, climate resilience and sustainable development.
The Armenian foreign ministry confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, describing it as part of Armenia’s broader effort to deepen ties with countries across Africa and the Global South.
Lesotho, a landlocked constitutional monarchy in southern Africa, maintains diplomatic relations with a diverse range of partners, including China, the United States, South Africa and several European Union member states.
It is also a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union, and the Commonwealth of Nations.
The establishment of ties with Armenia adds to Lesotho’s growing portfolio of international partnerships, particularly as it seeks to expand its diplomatic footprint and attract investment in key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
The two countries are expected to exchange ambassadors in due course and explore avenues for technical cooperation through their respective missions in New York and Geneva.
JN/APA