Canada-Lesotho relations
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Bilateral relations
Diplomatic relations between Canada and Lesotho date back to Lesotho’s independence in 1966. Canada is represented in Lesotho by the High Commission of Canada in South Africa, in Pretoria. Lesotho maintains a high commission in Ottawa and has an honorary consul in Vancouver.
Canada and Lesotho’s relationship is based on Commonwealth ties and strong bonds created through development cooperation and shared interests.
Trade relations
In 2023, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Lesotho totaled $11.0 million, with $0.1 million in exports from Canada and $10.9 million in imports from Lesotho. In 2023, the Canadian direct investment in Lesotho was $1.0 million. For the same year, the balance of Lesotho's direct investment in Canada is not currently available.
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Development
Lesotho benefits from Canadian support to key multilateral and regional organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the African Union and others. In 2022-2023, Canada provided $6.27 million to the country in international assistance, mainly through long-term institutional support to multilateral organizations with activities in the country. Canada is helping to build the capacity of female entrepreneurs to access international markets for their products. Local organizations in Lesotho can apply for support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, which has funded projects in recent years focused on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, as well as inclusive governance.
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Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Lesotho work closely in multilateral forums, such as:
- Commonwealth
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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