On September 21st and 22nd, 2018, China Jinan Art Troupe dispatched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China visited the Kingdom of Lesotho and staged two splendid performances in Maseru, Lesotho. More than 1000 audiences, including Mr. Song Changqing, Chargé d'Affaires ad Interim and Political Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Lesotho, Mr. Zhuang Yan, Head of China Jinan Art Troupe, Hon. Teboho Lehloenya, Deputy Speaker of National Assembly of Lesotho, Hon. Samonyane Ntsekele, Minister of Water, Hon. Habofanoe Lehana, Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs, Hon. Machesetsa Mofomobe, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Principal Secretaries and governmental officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Chinese Community and Companies as well as guests from all walks of life were present at the shows.
Mr. Song Changqing indicated in his remarks at the opening ceremony of performances that the China Jinan Art Troupe is the 3rd art troupe visiting Lesotho and celebrating the independence day of Lesotho in the recent 3 consecutive years, which shows Chinese people's close friendship toward the Basotho people. He said that at the just concluded FOCAC (Forum of China-Africa Cooperation) Beijing Summit, H.E. President Xi Jinping announced the Eight Initiatives to further strengthen China-Africa cooperation in the coming 3 years. The Right Hon. Prime Minister Thabane paid a successful official visit to China, and had in-depth discussion with his Chinese counterparts on further developing the two countries' relations. He expressed firm belief that in the coming years, the China-Lesotho relations will witness new further developments, and bring more tangible benefits to the two peoples.
On behalf of Lesotho government, Hon. Machesetsa Mofomobe extended warm welcome to the China Jinan Art Troupe. He spoke highly of the bilateral amity and cultural exchanges and cooperation and wished the performances a great success.
The China Jinan Art Troupe performed Peking Opera, Dances and Songs, Acrobatics, Magic and Chinese Kungfu, which received rounds of warm applause from the audience. LTV, LENA, Mainstream Newspapers reported on the shows.