Honorable Minister of Communications, Science and Technology Ntate Thabane,

Principal Secretaries and other government officials,

Friends from Lesotho media circle,

My dear fellow countrymen,

I feel much honored to have your accompany here in my Embassy today to witness the launching of the website of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Lesotho. First of all, I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to all the guests who are present. My special consideration goes to Hon. Minister Thabane.

With the rapid progress of economic globalization and modern technology, a communication revolution is getting underway and gaining itself unstoppable momentum. Internet, as the easiest and quickest means of receiving and disseminating information, lies in the core of this tornado. Internet has changed our traditional way of life and the way we perceive the world. According to statistics, there are 700 million Internet users globally, of which China has 87 million, 12% of that of the world. In Lesotho, the number of people working with computers and Internet is also increasing.

With the deepening of cooperation and exchanges between China and Lesotho, people from both countries are keen to know each other better. Unfortunately, Beijing and Maseru are so far away. 12,000 miles and 6 time zones separate us from communicating freely. To overcome this problem, my Embassy decides to set up its own website.

The newly established embassy website ls.china-embassy.org, contains bilingual versions, 20 major topics and nearly 200 articles. We wish the website could become a window for Lesotho people to learn about China and to broadcast new achievements in China-Lesotho relations. Our website will also provide practical information and services that could be of help for local people who wish to travel, study or do business in China. To our Chinese nationals living and travelling in Lesotho, the website will serve as a new platform for the Embassy to provide more comprehensive and up-to-date service. Our guests today are powerful elites from official, media and business circles. We have been working closely together for the development of our bilateral relations. It is my sincere wish that you could frequently visit our website. I'm also asking you to utilize your influence to advertise our website among Basotho friends and Chinese community, so that more people can gain access to our website.

Hon. Minister,

Ladies and gentlemen,

China and Lesotho are closest friends. In recent years, under the leadership of LCD Government headed by the Right Hon. Prime Minister Mosisili, Lesotho has successfully achieved political stability and multi-party democracy. China appreciates Lesotho's efforts towards economic and social development and wishes Lesotho to get even greater achievements. China attaches great importance to China-Lesotho relations. China appreciates Lesotho's firm stance in One-China Policy and her support to our national reunification. China is willing to be Lesotho's long-term development partner. In recent years, our bilateral relations have been developing on an encouraging course. This is evidenced by frequent exchanges of high-level visits, steady economic aids and expansion of cooperation in human resources, education, culture and health. In 2004, Hon. Speaker of National Assembly Ms. Motsamai, Hon. Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Lehohla, former Minister of communications Mrs. Khaketla and Minister of Forestry Mr. Mokose conducted visits to China. The Chinese Government provided RMB20 million grant assistance to the Government of Lesotho, including 2000 metric tons of yellow maize to relieve Lesotho's famine situation. The National People's Congress of China provided RMB1 million to National Assembly of Lesotho to build up its office capacity. In 2004,construction of China-donated Lesotho National Library and Archives got started and is going on smoothly. Consultations about the Expansion of Radio and TV Network have been continued and the project will soon come to the working stage. In 2004, more than 100 government officials and senior experts from all walks of life went to China to attend seminars and workshops. Our bilateral friendship and relations, indeed, are growing with each passing day.

Hon. Minister,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am confident that with your valuable comments and suggestions, our web service will be an impressive success in the years to come. Ladies and Gentlemen, with this, I announce the website of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Lesotho is officially launched.

Thank you very much.