Lesotho’s government reacted with shock to President Trump’s assertion that “nobody has ever heard of” the country. The comments were made during a congressional speech, referencing funding for LGBTQI+ initiatives. Officials emphasized the strong relations between Lesotho and the U.S., while also expressing concerns about recent cuts to international aid that impact health programs.
Lesotho’s government expressed its shock regarding remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated in his congressional speech that “nobody has ever heard of” the southern African country. His comment was made while discussing budget cuts, specifically referring to an $8 million allocation for LGBTQI+ initiatives in Lesotho, which elicited laughter among some lawmakers.
In response, a spokesperson for Lesotho’s foreign affairs department affirmed the country’s “warm and cordial” relations with the United States. Lesotho benefits from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides preferential trade access to enhance economic growth in eligible countries.
Lesotho’s Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane expressed his dismay over the characterization of Lesotho, emphasizing that it is a recognized sovereign state with a U.S. permanent mission on its soil. He remarked, “To my surprise, ‘the country that nobody has heard of’ is the country where the US has a permanent mission.”
Officials from Lesotho described Trump’s remarks as a careless political statement, highlighting the cooperative relationship between the two nations. Foreign affairs spokesperson Kutloano Pheko reinforced this sentiment, stating that both countries maintain a mission in each other’s capitals.
The country has felt the impact of the Trump administration’s cuts to international aid, particularly concerning the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which had benefited Lesotho’s health programs for tuberculosis and HIV. However, Minister Mpotjoane refrained from condemning the decision to cut aid, acknowledging the U.S. government’s authority over its fiscal policies.
In summary, Lesotho’s government has publicly addressed President Trump’s remarks about the country, expressing shock and reaffirming its established relations with the United States. While concerned about recent funding cuts that affect health programs, Lesotho remains committed to maintaining diplomatic ties with the U.S. and acknowledges the nation’s prerogative in foreign aid decisions.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
