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PRESENTATION WILL BE STRUCTURED AS FOLLOWS

Introduction. The Honourable House is requested to approve my Ministry's budget totalingM 346 125 571.00 . 3. Introduction contd.. 4. Our Vision: By 2012 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will have a professional diplomatic service; capable of providing quality advice on international issues,

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PRESENTATION WILL BE STRUCTURED AS FOLLOWS

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    1. 1 2009/2010 Budget Presentation to Parliament by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Mohlabi Kenneth Tsekoa

    2. PRESENTATION WILL BE STRUCTURED AS FOLLOWS INTRODUCTION 2. CHALLENGES THAT LIE AHEAD 3. LESOTHO FOREIGN POLICY IN TACKLING THESE CHALLENGES STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 2009 / 2010 HIGHLIGHTS OF SUCCESSES DURING 2008/2009 6. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2009/2010 BUDGET ESTIMATES 7. CONCLUSION 2

    3. Introduction The Honourable House is requested to approve my Ministry’s budget totaling M 346 125 571.00 3

    4. Introduction contd. 4 Our Vision: By 2012 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will have a professional diplomatic service; capable of providing quality advice on international issues, jealously guarding Lesotho’s political and socio-economic interests in a rapidly globalizing world and suitably poised to promote and effectively represent Lesotho internationally, in order to attain sustainable development for the benefit of Basotho  

    5. REPRESENTATION 5

    6. Challenges that lie ahead Global Financial Crisis and Economic Meltdown Declining ODA Fragile Foreign Direct Investment Globalisation Integration of the SADC region which may lead to loss of customs revenue and other preferential benefits 6

    7. Challenges contd. Peace and stability at home in the region and globally Economic Growth Integrating into the Global economy Development of Science & Technology (ICT) 7

    8. Challenges contd. Integration of the African Continent HIV and AIDS Graduation from the LDC Status 8

    9. Challenges contd. Transnational crime; eg. Terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking and money laundering. Climate Change e.g. Drought, global warming, typhoons and tsunamis etc. Poverty Eradication. 9

    10. Lesotho’s Foreign Policy in Tackling these Challenges Protect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Lesotho; Establish and maintain good relations with foreign countries and international organizations; Promote economic growth, by facilitating foreign direct investment, trade and tourism; 10

    11. Lesotho’s Foreign Policy contd. Monitor and analyse international developments and trends and advice Government on all foreign policy issues; Represent Lesotho in international decision making bodies and work for a fair, just, peaceful and rules based international order; and Provide consular services and protect Lesotho citizens, their welfare and interests aboard. 11

    12. The Basis of Lesotho’s Foreign Policy Basotho Values and Culture (Peaceful coexistence, Resilience, Integrity, Equity, Commitment, Mutual Respect, Patriotism). The Constitution and National Laws. National Vision 2020. LCD Manifesto. International Treaties and Conventions to which Lesotho is a party. 12

    13. Strategic Objectives 2009/2010 To increase economic growth by attracting Foreign Direct Investment, promoting trade and tourism, and supporting information communication technology initiatives. To improve the coordination and implementation of bilateral and multilateral cooperation activities of the Ministry and line Ministries through an effective monitoring and evaluation system. 13

    14. Strategic Objectives 2009/2010 contd. To professionalize the foreign service to respond to new challenges by developing policy frameworks and restructuring the ministry by 2010. To mobilize Official Development Assistance, in order to reduce poverty, improve human development, fight corruption and HIV/AIDS. To open up new markets for Lesotho’s exports. To protect the interests and welfare of Basotho in foreign countries . 14

    15. Strategic Objectives 2009/2010 contd. To increase the employment of Basotho in international organizations. Mobilise the diaspora to keep in touch with the home base and invest in Lesotho. Accelerate the review process under the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to be completed by June/July, 2009. 15

    16. Strategic Objectives 2009/2010 contd. To establish and maintain good relations with other countries for the benefit and prosperity of Basotho. To strengthen mechanisms for respect of human rights and observance of international law to promote global peace and mutual understanding among the peoples of the world. 16

    17. Highlights of Achievements during 2008/2009 Lesotho’s voice continues to be heard Internationally – SADC, AU, Commonwealth, Non-Aligned Movement, ACP, UN etc. Lesotho-Wales Link – An official visit by His Majesty the King in November, 2008. Cuba – Lesotho Commission of Cooperation reviewed progress in areas of cooperation (Human Resource Development, Sport, Energy etc.)

    18. Highlights contd. Lesotho – Kuala Lumpur Diplomatic Mission is operational. The Joint Bilateral Commission of Cooperation (JBCC) is alive. The Spatial Development Initiative Projects preparation will be launched on 3rd April, 2009 in Mokhotlong. Lesotho – India Lesotho – Germany (Extension – 2014)

    19. Highlights contd. Lesotho – Dublin H.E. Mrs. ‘Mannete Ramaili receives the Africa Day Award for promoting greater understanding of Africa in Ireland. Lesotho elected to be the first Vice Chairman of the African Union. Lesotho successfully coordinated the LDC group at the WTO for unprecedented second term as a result of outstanding performance.

    20. Highlights contd. Basotho working in regional, continental, and international organizations are approximately 28. Facilitated the holding of examinations by the UN for possible recruitment of young Lesotho Nationals.

    21. Highlights contd. Human Resources Development. The Ministry has successfully trained up to 13 of its staff members in areas such as diplomacy and international relations, trade negotiations, conflict management, ICT etc.

    22. Highlights contd. Investment Promotion. Delivering the Country Review of the African Peer Review Mechanism. Mobilising Official Development Assistance.

    23. Budget Estimates Allocated Amount 2008/2009 2009/2010 M 192 959 129.00 M 346 125 571.00 23

    24. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS :HEAD 12

    25. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS :HEAD 12

    26. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS :HEAD 12

    27. Reasons for Increase Currency Fluctuations International Travel and Subsistence Allowance Opening up of Lesotho – Kuala Lumpur Filling of Vacant positions and creation of new ones Maintenance and renovation of government properties Implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism 27

    28. Reasons for Increase contd. Replacement of obsolete furniture and equipment Inflation and Cost of Living 28

    29. Conclusion The current Global Financial Crisis and Economic meltdown call for active and innovative approaches to international relations (make friends, build peace etc.) In order to achieve our objectives and successfully tackle the challenges that face Lesotho, we need to raise the bar on enhancing the critical pillars of development. Some of these are: 29

    30. Conclusion contd. Peace Stability Rule of Law Win the war on corruption A deepening of the democratic process Reconciliation and tolerance The good life for all 30

    31. Conclusion contd. WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE, THE FUTURE OF LESOTHO IS IN OUR HANDS – EVERYONE OF US!! 31

    32. Conclusion contd. This august house is requested to approve the proposed budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations amounting to M 346 125 571.00 for the 2009/2010 financial year. 32

    33. A copy of this presentation can be obtained from this website: www.foreign.gov.ls

    34. THANK YOU! 34

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