President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a message of congratulations to King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho on the occasion of the country’s National Day. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, dispatched similar messages. The communications were also addressed to Prime Minister Samuel Matekane, according to the Emirates News Agency. The gestures align with routine diplomatic practices observed on such national occasions.
The exchanges highlight ongoing diplomatic engagement between the UAE and Lesotho. In September 2026, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, met with Limpho Justice Tau, Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated. Both officials reviewed ways to develop bilateral relations in areas of shared interest. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan affirmed the UAE’s focus on enhancing cooperation to support development and prosperity in both countries.
Bilateral trade has registered measurable activity in recent years according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity. The UAE exported 1.76 million dollars worth of goods to Lesotho in 2024, with synthetic filament yarn woven fabric, refined petroleum and cars representing the top categories. Lesotho shipped 1.13 million dollars in goods to the UAE, led by scrap iron, knit t-shirts and knit women’s suits. The Observatory of Economic Complexity data places the five-year annualized growth rate for UAE exports to Lesotho at 9.9 percent.
Economic discussions gained momentum during a June 2026 meeting in Johannesburg between Dubai Chambers and a high-level Lesotho delegation headed by Prime Minister Samuel Matekane. The talks explored stronger trade and investment links, with emphasis on logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy, Gulf Today reported. Matekane called for a dedicated business forum to showcase opportunities and foster partnerships. Dubai Chambers officials stated their commitment to building connections across sectors of mutual benefit.
The UAE maintains a non-resident ambassador to Lesotho through its embassy in South Africa. Ambassador Mahash Saeed AlHameli met with Lesotho government delegations on labour, employment, education and foreign affairs matters in 2026, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated. These contacts have addressed opportunities in renewable energy, mining and aviation. The engagements form part of sustained efforts to broaden practical cooperation.
Lesotho’s National Day serves as an annual occasion to observe the nation’s progress and international partnerships. The UAE has extended parallel congratulations to leaders of several other countries on their respective national days in recent weeks, the Emirates News Agency noted. Such messages consistently underscore the value placed on friendly relations across regions.
