The Emirates News Agency reported that Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, received the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho for talks focused on strengthening ties. Discussions covered ways to advance collaboration across sectors of mutual interest, with both sides affirming their commitment to the aspirations of their peoples for development and prosperity. The meeting forms part of the UAE’s broader diplomatic engagement with African nations, building on previous high-level interactions at forums such as the UN General Assembly. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, similar meetings with officials from Mozambique and other countries have emphasized advancing cooperation in transport, logistics and digital transformation.
Bilateral trade between the UAE and Lesotho, while modest, has registered growth in select categories over recent years. The Observatory of Economic Complexity data places UAE exports to Lesotho at $1.76 million in 2024, led by synthetic filament yarn, refined petroleum and cars. Lesotho exported $1.13 million to the UAE in the same period, primarily scrap iron along with knit apparel. Over the past five years, UAE exports to Lesotho have increased at an annualized rate of 9.9 percent even as Lesotho’s shipments to the UAE have declined.
Lesotho is pursuing a more ambitious foreign policy aimed at enhancing partnerships with developed nations, including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. A government statement distributed via APO Group on September 3, 2026, indicated that Lesotho’s foreign minister undertook an official visit to Kuwait and the UAE to intensify economic diplomacy and deepen relations. The engagements included meetings with senior officials from investment authorities and chambers of commerce to explore strategic opportunities. This approach seeks to address domestic priorities such as economic diversification and infrastructure modernization.
The UAE maintains active diplomatic channels with a range of African states through regular ministerial exchanges. Public records from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs document Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan’s participation in high-level meetings during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly with officials from Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, Senegal and Malawi among others. Those discussions similarly focused on bilateral ties, regional issues and multilateral cooperation. Such engagements underscore the UAE’s longstanding support for African development initiatives.
Both delegations agreed to sustain dialogue to translate the latest talks into concrete outcomes. The meeting highlighted shared interests in international forums where the two countries can coordinate positions. Follow-up mechanisms were discussed to monitor progress on identified cooperation areas. UAE officials noted the importance of continued partnership with Lesotho and other African partners.
