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ACTIVITY REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2011/2012

Table of Contents
AMBASSADOR`S FOREWORD ......................................................................................................................... 3
1. EMBASSY TEAM ..................................................................................................................................... 4
2. STRENGTHNING DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS .................................................................................... 5
2.1 Presentation of Credentials in Ireland .............................................................................................. 5
2.2 Presentation of Credentials in Finland ............................................................................................. 7
2.3 Presentation of Credentials in Norway ............................................................................................. 8
2.4 Presentation of Credentials in Denmark ........................................................................................... 9
2.5 Presentation of Credentials in Sweden ........................................................................................... 10
2.6 Courtesy Call on the Vice President of the Norwegian Parliament, .............................................. 11
Mr Dagfinn Høybråte ............................................................................................................................... 11
2.7 African Ambassadors visit the Dáil Éireann (Irish Parliament) ..................................................... 11
3. SUSTAINING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE ................................................. 12
3.1 Meeting with the Ambassador of Cyprus to Ireland ...................................................................... 12
3.2 Honourable Minister of Finance and Development Planning meets the new Irish Government and
Irish businesses ......................................................................................................................................... 13
3.3 Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare attends a Conference in Ireland .................. 14
3.4 Engaging with the Non-Governmental Organisations supporting development in Lesotho ......... 16
4. CONTRIBUTING TO EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT .................................... 17
4.1 Action Ireland Trust implements a programme in Lesotho. .......................................................... 17
4.2 Ambassador’s visit to Our Lady of Mercy Community School in Bantry, Co.Cork ..................... 21
4.3 Ambassador’s visit to Regina Mundi College, Cork City .............................................................. 23
4.4 Ambassador’s visit to Schull Community School, Cork. ............................................................... 25
4.5 Ambassador’s visit to Clongowes Wood College. ......................................................................... 27
4.6 Visit to Gaelscoil na Boinne, Trim. ................................................................................................ 28
4.7 Lesotho delegation shared experiences with their Irish counterparts. ........................................... 29
5. PROMOTING TRADE, TOURISM AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT .................................. 31
5.1 Participating in the 1 st Africa-Ireland Economic Forum ................................................................ 31
5.2 African Ambassadors resident in Ireland visited different Irish companies in a quest to attract
foreign direct investment and to promote trade with Africa. ................................................................... 33
5.2.1 Visit to Abbey Machinery Ltd. ................................................................................................... 33
5.2.2 Visit to Delmec Engineering Ltd. ............................................................................................... 34
5.2.3 Visit to Grant Recycling Limited ............................................................................................... 35
5.2.4 Visit to Belmont Plant & Equipment Ltd ................................................................................... 36
5.2.5 Visit to Shabra Recycling Limited ............................................................................................. 36
5.2.6 Visit to Aerogen, Galway ........................................................................................................... 37
5.2.7 Visit to Chanelle Group .............................................................................................................. 37
5.2.8 Visit to Sammon Group .............................................................................................................. 38
5.2.9 Visit to Shannon Development ................................................................................................... 39
5.2.10 Visit to Dunreidy Engineering Ltd ............................................................................................. 39
5.3 Country Crest continues to support Basotho farmers ..................................................................... 40
6. RAISING THE PROFILE OF THE MOUNTAIN KINGDOM .............................................................. 41
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AMBASSADOR`S FOREWORD
It is a great honour and privilege for me and the rest of the team at the
Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Ireland to present the Mission’s
pictorial report for the fiscal year 2011/2012. Perhaps I should highlight that
this is the first external report released by the Mission since my arrival in
April 2011. The report is intended to provide our readers with an overview
of the Mission’s activities, programmes and projects undertaken in this
fiscal year within our countries of accreditation, namely Ireland, Denmark,
Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. As usual, a detailed internal report
has been submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International
Relations.
The Mission`s activities for the fiscal year 2011/12 were once again broadly
influenced by the Government of Lesotho priorities and strategic direction,
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations’ Strategic Goals
as well as by our three year Strategic Plan which ends in 2013. Therefore
this report has been divided into five broad themes which emanate from the
above documents. These are; strengthening diplomatic relations with the
countries of accreditation, sustaining international development assistance,
contributing to education and skills development, promoting trade, tourism
and foreign direct investment, and raising Lesotho’s profile. In spite of numerous challenges which continue
to be presented by the current economic situation, the Mission achieved significant milestones in each of
these areas as shown in the report.
I therefore wish to express my sincere appreciation and humble thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
International Relations and our partner organisations and institutions for their unwavering support during this
period. Your support has given us enough strength to always look forward to the challenges of the next year.
We hope you find this report enjoyable and informative!
Khotso, Pula, Nala!
Paramente Phamotse
Ambassador
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1. EMBASSY TEAM
Ambassador
H.E. Mr. Paramente Phamotse
Counsellor First Secretary
Mr. Phakiso Ralepoma Mr. Nkhotha Machachamise
Third Secretary Executive Secretary
Mrs. Lineo Motsopa Ms Deirdre O’Sullivan
Chauffeur Driver
Mr. Liam Flanagan Mr. Garrett Davis
4

2. STRENGTHNING DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
In this reporting year, 2011/12, the new Ambassador presented his Letters of Credence to the Presidents of
Ireland and Finland, Kings of Norway and Sweden and to the Queen of Denmark accrediting him as the
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Lesotho to these countries. Different
bilateral meetings were also held with government officials in these countries to further nourish the existing
relations between Lesotho and their respective countries.
2.1 Presentation of Credentials in Ireland
His Excellency Mr. Phamotse presenting Letters of Credence to the President of Ireland, Mrs Mary
McAleese
5

Above & Below: H.E. Mr. Phamotse and other presenting Ambassadors just before leaving the
Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland, for the Áras an Uachtaráin, the President`s Palace.
6

2.2 Presentation of Credentials in Finland
His Excellency presenting his
Letters of Credence to President
Tarja Halonen
The Ambassador, the President
and the First Secretary,
Mr. Machachamise after the
presentation ceremony
7

2.3 Presentation of Credentials in Norway
Above & Below: Ambassador Phamotse and the King of Norway, His Majesty King Harald V.
8

2.4 Presentation of Credentials in Denmark
His Excellency entering the Royal Palace
His Excellency introducing Mrs
Phamotse and the Counsellor
Mr. Ralepoma to Palace Staff Pictures by Scanpix
9

2.5 Presentation of Credentials in Sweden
Presentation Ceremony inside the Royal Palace
10

2.6 Courtesy Call on the Vice President of the Norwegian Parliament,
Mr Dagfinn Høybråte
The Ambassador, Mr Dagfinn Høybråte and the First Secretary.
2.7 African Ambassadors visit the Dáil Éireann (Irish Parliament)
11
Diplomats from African
Embassies in Ireland with
the Chairman of the Joint
Committee of Foreign
Affairs Mr. Pat Breen TD

3. SUSTAINING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
3.1 Meeting with the Ambassador of Cyprus to Ireland
In 2011/12, meetings were held with the outgoing and new Ambassadors of Cyprus to Ireland in order to
advocate for a continued support to Lesotho and to explore new avenues for further cooperation. Though
Cyprus is not covered by our Mission, it channels its assistance to Lesotho through Irish Aid.
Ambassador Phamotse and the Ambassador of Cyprus His Excellency Dr. Michalis Stavrinos
12

3.2 Honourable Minister of Finance and Development Planning meets the new Irish
Government and Irish businesses
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Timothy Thahane visited Ireland in
June 2011 to meet the new Government of Ireland and to assure them of Lesotho Government’s commitment
to the implementation of the current country programme. The Minister had audience with the Minister of
State for Trade and
Development Ms. Jan
O’Sullivan TD, the Minister for
Public Expenditure and Reform,
Mr. Brendan Howlin TD and
with the Director of Programme
Countries under Irish Aid, Mr.
Damien Cole. Hon. Thahane
also met representatives of
different businesses and
organisations which have ties
with Lesotho. He finally paid a
visit to Country Crest Farm as a
follow up to his previous visit to
the Farm in 2010.
Hon. Minister Dr. Thahane and the Managing Director of
Country Crest Mr. Michael Hoey
13

3.3 Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare attends a Conference in
Ireland
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare Dr. Mphu Ramatlapeng and 2 officials from the Ministry attended
a Conference on the theme “Global Health Workforce – Pathways to Health” in Dublin in February 2012.
During the conference, the Minister had the opportunity to have bilateral discussions with some Government
ministers and senior officials in Ireland.
14

Hon. Minister Dr. Ramatlapeng and the Minister of State for Trade and Development, Mr Costello TD with other
senior officials
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3.4 Engaging with the Non-Governmental Organisations supporting development in
Lesotho
Above: Mayor of Tralee Cllr. Grace O'Donnell, H.E. Mr Phamotse, H.E. Mr Gervin, Irish Ambassador to
Lesotho and the Minister of State for Trade and Development Ms O’Sullivan and members of Action
Lesotho at the launch of Action Lesotho Strategic Plan.
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Cllr O’Donnell, H.E
Mr. Phamotse, Minister
O’Sullivan and
H.E Mr. Gervin

4. CONTRIBUTING TO EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
In the reporting year 2011/12, the Mission facilitated a trip by 60 volunteers from Action Ireland Trust who
went to Lesotho to implement their 5 year development programme. This programme has different
components which include twinning of Portmarnock Community School (PCS) with Hlalele Secondary
School, capacity building of teachers, provision of health services and training on fire emergency services.
The Mission also visited different schools in Ireland which have twinning programmes with schools in
Lesotho.
4.1 Action Ireland Trust implements a programme in Lesotho.
Above & Below: H.E. Mr. Phamotse, members of the Trust and students from PCS on the occasion of
loading up of two containers with medical supplies, equipment, books and ambulance donated by the
Trust. Shipping of the containers to Lesotho was sponsored by DHL Ireland
17

Volunteers at Dublin Airport on their way to Lesotho
18

Members of the Trust and
Senior Officers from the Lesotho
Mounted Police Service
Above & Right: Students from PCS and Hlalele High School had the opportunity to learn together and to
share their skills.
19

Above: Action Ireland Trust working with the community
refurbish classrooms at Hlalele Secondary School.
Left & Below: Members of the trust providing health services
at St. Josephs Hospital, Roma.
20

4.2 Ambassador’s visit to Our Lady of Mercy Community School in Bantry, Co.Cork
Right: Ambassador Phamotse, a member of Action
Lesotho, Bantry Group and the students
21

H.E Mr. Phamotse and the Principal, Ms Dympna Daly
H.E Mr. Phamotse with the Mayor of Bantry, Cllr. O'Callaghan and the Staff of Bantry Town Council
22

4.3 Ambassador’s visit to Regina Mundi College, Cork City
The College has a twinning programme with Dahon High School, Mapoteng.
Ambassador Phamotse and the Principal of the School Mrs Corcoran
23

4.4 Ambassador’s visit to Schull Community School, Cork.
This school has a twinning programme with Emmanuel High School, Leribe.
The Ambassador, Principal, Mr. O’Connor and the students during the award giving ceremony at
the school.
25

H.E. Mr. Phamotse with the staff and the students of Schull Community School
26

4.5 Ambassador’s visit to Clongowes Wood College.
The College has charity programmes in Malealea, Lesotho
Pictures by David Nelson
27
Above: His Excellency planting a
tree to mark his visit to Clongowes
Wood College
Left: Ambassador Phamotse with the
management and students of
Clongowes Wood College.

4.6 Visit to Gaelscoil na Boinne, Trim.
Gaelscoil na Boinne is an Irish medium school which has a twinning programme with St. Luke Primary
School in Maputsoe.
28
Above: His Excellency,
the First Secretary,
Principal of the School,
Mrs Ni Bhuchalla and
Mr. Flaherty of Action
Lesotho.
Left: With the pupils of
Gaelscoil na Boinne
Pictures by David Moore

4.7 Lesotho delegation shared experiences with their Irish counterparts.
A delegation comprising representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, LTDC, Lesotho Chamber of
Commerce, Council on Higher Education and Hotels Workers Union took a familiarisation tour on the
National Qualifications Frameworks in Ireland. Among others, the delegation engaged in discussions with
experts from the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Higher Education and Training Awards
Council, the Further Education and Training Awards Council, the Irish Universities Quality Board, the
Department of Education and Skills and the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology.
Embassy team and the delegates from Lesotho.
29

4.8 Meeting with officials from Kerry International Academy
The Ambassador and the First Secretary with officials from Kerry International Academy
30

5. PROMOTING TRADE, TOURISM AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT
5.1 Participating in the 1 st Africa-Ireland Economic Forum
Right: The Forum was addressed by Tánaiste
& Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gilmore
TD and Minister of State for Trade and
Development Ms O’Sullivan TD.
31
Above: H.E Mr Phamotse and the Ambassador
of South Africa, H.E. Mr. Ndou at the Forum
Left: Some of the African Ambassadors
at the Forum

Business delegates at the Forum
Ambassador Phamotse chatting with H.E. Mrs Mwangi,
the Kenyan Ambassador & Dean of African Diplomatic
Corps in Ireland and H.E. Mr. Nolan, the former Irish
Consul General to Lesotho.
32
The Third Secretary and the Officer from the Kenyan
Embassy at the Lesotho stand

5.2 African Ambassadors resident in Ireland visited different Irish companies in a
quest to attract foreign direct investment and to promote trade with Africa.
5.2.1 Visit to Abbey Machinery Ltd.
33

5.2.2 Visit to Delmec Engineering Ltd.
34

5.2.3 Visit to Grant Recycling Limited
35

5.2.4 Visit to Belmont Plant & Equipment Ltd
5.2.5 Visit to Shabra Recycling Limited
36

5.2.6 Visit to Aerogen, Galway
5.2.7 Visit to Chanelle Group
37

5.2.8 Visit to Sammon Group
38

5.2.9 Visit to Shannon Development
5.2.10 Visit to Dunreidy Engineering Ltd
39

5.3 Country Crest continues to support Basotho farmers
Country Crest has continued with its capacity building programme in Lesotho following the donation of
agricultural machinery to Temo-Mmoho Association in 2011. This year two farmers from the Association
came to Ireland for training. Country Crest is currently exploring investment opportunities in Lesotho
H.E. Mr Phamotse, Mr. Ralepoma,
Country C
40

6. RAISING THE PROFILE OF THE MOUNTAIN KINGDOM
Mrs Phamotse, Mrs Machachamise, Mrs Ralepoma and Mrs Motsopa at the International Charity Bazaar,
Dublin
Lesotho stand at the
Holiday World Show,
Dublin
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42
Above: The Counsellor and the Third Secretary
at the Reiseliv Show 2012, Oslo, Norway
Left: The Chairman of the Friends of Lesotho
Association in Norway (FLAN), Mr. Filberg
chatting with the visitors at the Lesotho stand.
Below: The Third Secretary and Ms. Schonning-
Andreassen, member of FLAN.

Above & Below: The Ambassador and the members of
Denmark Lesotho Network during a reception in
Copenhagen
Right: The Counsellor and the Bao Bao Choir singing
Sesotho songs during the reception
43

The Ambassador and the Board of Friends of Lesotho Association in Norway during a reception in Oslo
Chatting with the National Coach of the Norwegian The Ambassador and the former Honorary
football team, Mr. Olsen and the President of Consul of Lesotho in Norway, Mr. Jens
Red Cross Norway, Mr. Mollekleiv during Stranheim
the reception.
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© Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Dublin
Design: Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho
Print: Pontaprint, 2 Trinity Plaza, Tara Street, Dublin 2
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Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho Countries of Accreditation:
2 Clanwilliam Square Ireland
Grand Canal Quay Denmark
Dublin 2 Iceland
Tel: +353 1 676 2233 Finland
Fax: +353 1 676 2258 Norway
Email: info@lesothoembassy.ie Sweden
www.lesothoembassy.ie
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