“Africa Day and Heroes Day: Russia Reaffirms Commitment to Deeper Ties with Lesotho”

Maseru — Ambassador of the Russian Federation to South Africa and Lesotho, Roman Ambarov, has conveyed warm congratulations and fraternal greetings to the Kingdom of Lesotho on the occasion of Africa Day and Heroes Day. In a message published in the Lesotho Tribune newspaper on May 24, 2026, he described May 25 as carrying a double significance for the Mountain Kingdom — uniting the rhythm of pan-African solidarity with the deep pulse of national remembrance.

Ambassador Ambarov recalled the defining moment in 1963 when the founders of the Organisation of African Unity gathered in Addis Ababa, determined to banish the last vestiges of colonialism and forge a common destiny rooted in solidarity, dignity and self-determination. He noted that Russia, then as the Soviet Union, stood firmly with Africa in that historic struggle, believing that every nation has an inalienable right to chart its own course, free from external domination.

On Heroes Day, the Ambassador paid tribute to Basotho heroes — from King Moshoeshoe the Great to the veterans of the Gun War and the human rights defenders who sheltered the persecuted during apartheid — stating they are woven into the fabric of the African Renaissance. “Russia honours their memory with you, understanding profoundly the cost of defending sovereignty, for our own history is written in the ink of immense sacrifice,” he said.

Highlighting that diplomatic ties between the two countries were formally established more than four decades ago, the Ambassador noted they have been nurtured in the soil of mutual respect and principled cooperation. He recalled presenting his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Letsie III on 27 August 2025, where the King spoke of evolving the historic friendship into a “stronger and more efficient partnership” for the twenty-first century.

In February this year, Maseru hosted a reception marking Russian Diplomatic Workers’ Day for the very first time, celebrating 46 years of formal relations built on equality, mutual respect and adherence to international law.

The Ambassador also stressed that Russia looks forward to hosting the Lesotho delegation at the upcoming third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on October 28–29. He extended wishes for robust health and success to King Letsie III, the Prime Minister and the Government, and offered every family in Lesotho his deepest respect and prayers for a future of peace, prosperity and abundance. “May the friendship between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Lesotho deepen with each passing season, and may the flame of African unity burn ever brighter,” the message concluded.