On 12 September 2018, the Lesotho Government held in Maseru a farewell reception for H.E. Dr. Sun Xianghua, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Lesotho, in honour of the end of his tenure of office. Hon. Lebohang Hlaele, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations and Minister of Law and Constitution Affairs, Hon. Chief Joang Molapo, Minister of Public Service, Hon. Dr. Moeketsi Majoro, Minister of Finance, Hon. Tlohelang Aumane, Minister of Development Planning, Hon. Temeki Ts'olo, Minister of Prime Minister's Office, Hon. Chalane Phori, Minister of Small Business, Cooperatives and Marketing, Hon. Mahala Molapo, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Keketso Sello, Minister of Mining, Hon. Sentje Lebona, Minister of Defense and National Security, Hon. Tsukutlane Au, Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Mampho Mokhele, Minister of Police and Public Safety, Hon. Maliehe Prince Maliehe, Minister of Public Works and Transport, together with other high-level officials of the Lesotho government, senators, members of the National Assembly, Heads of diplomatic corps attended the reception.
In his remarks on behalf of the Lesotho Government, Hon. Lebohang Hlaele stressed that since his arrival in Lesotho in May 2016, Ambassador Sun worked closely with the Lesotho government and all other sectors to promote bilateral exchanges and pragmatic cooperation, and managed to sign and implement a number of important projects, further promoting the bilateral relations based on the principles of equality, sincerity and mutual benefits. Ambassador Sun has delivered his duty with great diligence, commitment and professionalism, and his efforts have left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of the Basotho. Hon. Hlaele also extended best wishes to Ambassador Sun for his future endeavor.
In his remarks, Ambassador Sun said that "bosom friends, though separated by vast oceans and long distances, still feel they are living together just like immediate neighbors". Although China and Lesotho are separated by vast oceans and mountains, with the joint efforts from both sides, the bilateral relations have reached a historical new height and become a fine example of relations among countries across the world, which features mutual trust and respect, equality sincerity and win-win cooperation. He indicated that the Right Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Thabane had just attended the Beijing Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and paid a successful official visit to China recently. During the visit, the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister met with H.E. President Xi Jinping and H.E. Premier Li Keqiang, and exchanged in-depth ideas on deepening China-Lesotho friendship and cooperation. Ambassador Sun expressed firm belief that the bilateral relations will witness new further developments, bringing more tangible benefits to both countries and peoples. H.E. Ambassador Sun extended sincere appreciations to the Lesotho Government and all walks of life for their support and assistance during his tenure and wished long-live the China-Lesotho friendship.
The farewell reception was reported by LTV, LENA and other mainstream media of Lesotho.