China to speed up zero-tariff steps for African exports in Lesotho

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday that Beijing will accelerate the implementation of zero-tariff measures for African exports in Lesotho, and provide greater facilitation for its specialty products to enter China to support the nation's development.

Wang made the remarks during a meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in Maseru, capital of the country in Southern Africa.

Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2024, Wang noted, China and Lesotho have successfully implemented a number of key projects, effectively promoting Lesotho's development and revitalization.

He expressed China's readiness to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, expand economic, trade, and industrial cooperation, as well as deepen collaboration in multilateral arenas, further advancing their strategic partnership.

Wang added that China will continue to firmly stand with African countries, advocate fairness for the Global South, oppose bullying, and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Matekane expressed appreciation for China's zero-tariff policy for African products, noting that it will provide new momentum for Lesotho's development.

He reaffirmed the country's adherence to the one-China principle and expressed willingness to strengthen strategic mutual trust, expand people-to-people exchanges, and deepen cooperation in infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and other sectors.

Lesotho highly values China's series of major initiatives and is eager to enhance solidarity and cooperation with China within multilateral platforms such as the BRICS, jointly addressing global challenges, he added.

On the same day, Wang also met with Lesotho's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Lejone Mpotjoane.