View source for Foreign relations of Lesotho

{{short description|none}}
{{use British English|date=September 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Politics of Lesotho}}
[[Lesotho]]'s geographic location makes it extremely vulnerable to political and economic developments in [[South Africa]]. Its capital is the small city of Maseru. It is a member of many regional economic organizations including the [[Southern African Development Community]] (SADC) and the [[Southern African Customs Union]] (SACU). Lesotho also is active in the [[United Nations]], the [[Organisation of African Unity]], now the [[African Union]], the [[Non-Aligned Movement]], and many other international organizations. In addition to the [[Republic of Korea]], the [[United States]], South Africa, [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], [[People's Republic of China]], [[Libya]], and the [[European Union]] all currently retain resident diplomatic missions in Lesotho. '''Foreign relations of Lesotho''' are administered by the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations (Lesotho)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations]].

Lesotho has historically maintained generally close ties with [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] (Lesotho's largest bilateral aid donor), the [[Lesotho-United States relations|United States]], the [[United Kingdom]], [[Germany]], and other Western states. Although Lesotho decided in 1990 to break relations with the [[People's Republic of China]] (P.R.C.) and re-establish relations with the [[Republic of China]] (commonly known by its main island as '''Taiwan'''), it had restored ties with the P.R.C. in 1994.

==Diplomatic relations==
List of countries which Lesotho maintains diplomatic relations with:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! colspan="3" |[[File:Diplomatic relations of Lesotho.svg|frameless|425x425px]]
|-
!#
!Country
!Date<ref name="UNDL">{{Cite web |title=Diplomatic relations between Lesotho and ... |url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/search?ln=en&as=1&m1=p&p1=Diplomatic+relations+between+Lesotho+and+...&f1=series&op1=a&m2=a&p2=&f2=&op2=a&m3=a&p3=&f3=&dt=&d1d=&d1m=&d1y=&d2d=&d2m=&d2y=&rm=&action_search=Search&sf=year&so=a&rg=50&c=United+Nations+Digital+Library+System&of=hb&fti=0&fti=0 |access-date=16 April 2024 |website=United Nations Digital Library}}</ref>
|-
|1
|{{Flag|United Kingdom}}
|{{dts|4 October 1966}}<ref name="britain">{{cite web|last=Majoro|first=Moeketsi|author-link=Moeketsi Majoro|date=30 September 2021|title=Remarks by the Right Honourable the Prime Minister Dr. Moeketsi Majoro on the Reopening of the British High Commission|url=https://www.gov.ls/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Remarks-by-the-Hon-PM-on-the-Reopening-of-the-British-High-Commission.-210930.pdf|work=Government of Lesotho|location=[[Maseru]]|access-date=28 September 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317120934//web/20220317120934/https://www.gov.ls/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Remarks-by-the-Hon-PM-on-the-Reopening-of-the-British-High-Commission.-210930.pdf|archive-date=17 March 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2
|{{Flag|United States}}
|{{dts|4 October 1966}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Lesotho |url=https://history.state.gov/countries/lesotho |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=Office of The Historian}}</ref>
|-
|3
|{{Flag|Israel}}
|{{dts|4 October 1966}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Encyclopaedia Judaica - Volume 9 |publisher=Encyclopaedia Judaica, 1996 |pages=439}}</ref>
|-
|4
|{{Flag|Ghana}}
|{{dts|24 November 1966}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/|title=GHANA: KING MOSHOESHOE OF LESOTHO ENDS HIS STATE VISIT.|website=British Pathé|accessdate=8 November 2023}}</ref>
|-
|5
|{{Flag|South Korea}}
|{{dts|7 December 1966}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview |url=https://www.mofa.go.kr/eng/nation/m_4902/view.do?seq=155 |access-date=19 April 2024 |website=mofa.go.kr}}</ref>
|-
|6
|{{Flag|Denmark}}
|{{dts|1966}}<ref name="SAN2020">{{Cite news |title=Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho |url=https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/committee/dail/33/joint_committee_on_foreign_affairs_and_defence/submissions/2024/2024-05-21_opening-statement-mamoratehi-mary-bokopane-first-secretary-embassy-of-lesotho_en.pdf |date=21 May 2024 |access-date=7 July 2024}}</ref>
|-
|—
|{{Flag|Holy See}}
|{{dts|11 March 1967}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diplomatic relations of the Holy See |url=https://holyseemission.org/contents/mission/diplomatic-relations-of-the-holy-see.php |access-date=5 September 2022}}</ref>
|-
|7
|{{Flag|Canada}}
|{{dts|27 April 1967}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Linwood |first=DeLong |date=January 2020 |title=A Guide to Canadian Diplomatic Relations 1925-2019 |url=https://www.cgai.ca/a_guide_to_canadian_diplomatic_relations_1925_2019 |access-date=26 June 2023}}</ref>
|-
|8
|{{Flag|Italy}}
|{{dts|June 1967}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Who's who of Southern Africa Volume 54 |publisher=Argus Printing & Publishing Company |year=1970 |pages=742 |quote=Paveri-Fontana di Fontana Pradosa ... Ambassador to Lesotho June 1967 and to Swaziland from April 1969;}}</ref>
|-
|9
|{{Flag|France}}
|{{dts|21 August 1967}}<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Liste Chronologique des Ambassadeurs, Envoyés Extraordinaires, Ministres Plénipotentiaires et Chargés D'Affaires de France à L'Étranger Depuis 1945 |url=https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/maep0035-0120_cle8a5377.pdf |journal=Diplomatie.gouv.fr |language=fr |access-date=15 December 2023}}</ref>
|-
|10
|{{Flag|Switzerland}}
|{{dts|22 August 1967}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ernennung eines schweizerischen Botschafters in Botswana und Lesotho. Sitz in Pretoria |url=https://dodis.ch/32532 |access-date=4 July 2023 |website=dodis.ch |language=de}}</ref>
|-
|11
|{{Flag|Belgium}}
|{{dts|24 August 1967}}<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pp4yM5kG3YgC&dq=j.+Smets+ambassadeur+Belgique+en+Botswana+24+aout+1967&pg=PA11579 |title=Belgisch staatsblad Issues 210-248 |date=6 January 1967 |publisher=1967 |page=11579 |language=fr,nl}}</ref>
|-
|12
|{{Flag|Austria}}
|{{dts|1967}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Österreichische Zeitschrift Für Aussenpolitik |year=1967 |volume=7 |pages=309}}</ref>
|-
|13
|{{Flag|Germany}}
|{{dts|15 February 1968}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lesotho: Überblick |url=https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/laender/lesotho-node/lesotho-226960 |website=Auswärtiges Amt |access-date=6 March 2025 |language=de}}</ref>
|-
|14
|{{Flag|Netherlands}}
|{{dts|22 February 1968}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Jaarboek van het Departement van Buitenlandse Zaken Volumes 86-90 |publisher=Netherlands. Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken |year=1967 |pages=153 |language=nl}}</ref>
|-
|15
|{{Flag|Sweden}}
|{{dts|29 May 1968}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 June 1968 |title=Sveriges sändebud i Pretoria i Sydafrika, Eric Virgin... |url=https://www.svd.se/arkiv/1968-06-01/6/SVD |url-access=subscription |access-date=21 April 2025 |work=[[Svenska Dagbladet]] |page=6 |language=sv}}</ref>
|-
|16
|{{Flag|Kenya}}
|{{dts|20 June 1968}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Southern African Political History: A Chronology of Key Political Events from Independence to Mid-1997 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group, 1999 |pages=115}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=Summary of World Broadcasts Non-Arab Africa · Issues 2757-2809 |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation. Monitoring Service |year=1968 |pages=4 |quote=... Lesotho has established diplomatic relations with Kenya; its High Commissioner and roving ambassador, Charles Molapo, has arrived in Nairobi (CTK in English 15.30 GMT 20.6.68)}}</ref>
|-
|17
|{{Flag|Uganda}}
|{{dts|4 October 1968}}<ref name="Africa Research Bulletin">{{Cite book |title=Africa Research Bulletin |publisher=Blackwell |year=1968 |pages=1205}}</ref>
|-
|18
|{{Flag|Liberia}}
|{{dts|20 October 1968}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 1968 |title=MONROVIA: LESOTHO'S FIRST AMBASSADOR TO LIBERIA PRESENTS CREDENTIALS (1968) |url=https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/144258/ |access-date=28 January 2025}}</ref>
|-
|19
|{{Flag|Sierra Leone}}
|{{dts|22 October 1968}}<ref name="Africa Research Bulletin" />
|-
|20
|{{Flag|Ivory Coast}}
|{{dts|28 October 1968}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Bulletin de l'Afrique noire, Issues 527-534 |publisher=La Documentation africaine., 1968 |pages=10633}}</ref>
|-
|21
|{{Flag|Cameroon}}
|{{dts|29 October 1968}}<ref name="Africa Research Bulletin" />
|-
|22
|{{Flag|Tanzania}}
|{{dts|23 January 1971}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Africa Research Bulletin |publisher=Blackwell |year=1970 |pages=1636}}</ref>
|-
|23
|{{Flag|India}}
|{{dts|8 June 1971}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Southern African Political History: A Chronology of Key Political Events from Independence to Mid-1997 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |year=1999 |pages=121}}</ref>
|-
|24
|{{Flag|Japan}}
|{{dts|29 July 1971}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 July 2021 |title=Office of the Prime Minister, Kingdom of Lesotho se plasing |url=https://www.facebook.com/Qhobosheaneng/posts/remarks-by-the-rt-hon-the-prime-minister-dr-moeketsi-majoro-on-the-occasion-to-m/340213287777294/?locale=af_ZA |website=Office of the Prime Minister, Kingdom of Lesotho on Facebook |access-date=19 April 2024}}</ref>
|-
|25
|{{Flag|Nigeria}}
|{{dts|November 1971}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Southern African Political History: A Chronology of Key Political Events from Independence to Mid-1997 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group, 1999 |pages=122}}</ref>
|-
|26
|{{Flag|Iran}}
|{{dts|15 December 1971}}<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.google.com.ua/search?q=The+Imperial+Government+of+Iran+established+diplomatic+ties+with+Lesotho+on+15+December%2C+1971%2C+...&tbm=bks&hl=en&gl=ua&ei=DVvLZbadKcjdwPAPiaG5uA8&ved=0ahUKEwj21_Wwo6iEAxXILhAIHYlQDvcQsJ4FCAM |title=The White Revolution and Iran's Independent National Policy |publisher=Iranian Government |year=1973 |pages=43}}</ref>
|-
|27
|{{Flag|Madagascar}}
|{{dts|7 December 1971}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/ |title=MADAGASCAR: LESOTHO AND MADAGASCAR ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS AND ANNOUNCE THEIR BELIEF IN DIALOGUE WITH SOUTH AFRICA. |website=British Pathé |accessdate=8 November 2023}}</ref>
|-
|28
|{{Flag|Serbia}}
|{{dts|25 September 1972}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lesotho.doc |url=http://arhiviranisajt.msp.gov.rs/en/images/stories/bilaterala_ugovori/LESOTHO.doc |access-date=23 November 2024 |website=arhiviranisajt.msp.gov.rs/}}</ref>
|-
|29
|{{Flag|Botswana}}
|{{dts|April 1973}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ежегодник Большой Советской Энциклопедии. 1974. Выпуск восемнадцатый: Зарубежные страны |url=https://istmat.org/files/uploads/55959/003_zarubezhnye_strany.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623071827/https://istmat.org/files/uploads/55959/003_zarubezhnye_strany.pdf |archive-date=23 June 2023 |access-date=1 March 2024 |page=322 |language=ru}}</ref>
|-
|30
|{{Flag|Kuwait}}
|{{dts|30 April 1973}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Record of the Arab World: Yearbook of Arab and Israeli Politics |publisher=Research and Publishing House. |year=1973 |pages=226}}</ref>
|-
|31
|{{Flag|Egypt}}
|{{dts|31 May 1973}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=ARR: Arab Report and Record. |publisher=Economic Features, Limited |year=1973 |pages=225}}</ref>
|-
|32
|{{Flag|Australia}}
|{{dts|9 July 1973}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vol. 44 No. 7 (July 1973) |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-906419061 |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=Trove |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|33
|{{Flag|Zambia}}
|{{dts|19 September 1973}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Southern African Political History: A Chronology of Key Political Events from Independence to Mid-1997 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |year=1999 |pages=127}}</ref>
|-
|34
|{{Flag|Romania}}
|{{dts|1 May 1975}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diplomatic Relations of Romania |url=https://www.mae.ro/en/node/2187 |website=Ministerul Afacerilor Externe |access-date=28 December 2023}}</ref>
|-
|35
|{{Flag|United Arab Emirates}}
|{{dts|8 July 1975}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Revue de la communauté France-Eurafrique Issues 252-277 |publisher=1975 |pages=24 |language=fr |quote=Le Lesotho va établir des relations diplomatiques au niveau des ambassadeurs avec l'Etat des Emirats Arabes Unis, annonce le Ministère des Affaires étrangères à Maseru ...}}</ref>
|-
|36
|{{Flag|Mozambique}}
|{{dts|9 September 1975}}<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/State-Dept-cable-1975-310089/mode/1up?q=establish+diplomatic+relations |title=Mozambique and Lesotho establish diplomatic relations |publisher=State Deptment cable 1975-310089 |year=1975 |access-date=23 July 2023}}</ref>
|-
|37
|{{Flag|Mexico}}
|{{dts|14 November 1975}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://centrogilbertobosques.senado.gob.mx/docs/NI_Nombramientos_Senado_270218.pdf |title=NOMBRAMIENTOS DIPLOMATICOS DE RECIENTE INGRESO AL SENADO DE LA REPUBLICA EN AFRICA, EL CARIBE Y EUROPA. Page 10 (in Spanish) |accessdate=8 November 2023}}</ref>
|-
|38
|{{Flag|Brazil}}
|{{dts|3 December 1975}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=CRIA A EMBAIXADA DO BRASIL NO REINO DO LESOTO. DECRETO Nº 76.968, DE 31 DE DEZEMBRO DE 1975. |url=https://www.diariodasleis.com.br/legislacao/federal/54884-cria-a-embaixada-do-brasil-no-reino-do-lesoto.html |access-date=4 June 2023 |website=PORTAL DE LEGISLAÇÃO |language=pt}}</ref>
|-
|39
|{{Flag|Eswatini}}
|{{dts|12 February 1976}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Southern African Political History: A Chronology of Key Political Events from Independence to Mid-1997 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |year=1999 |pages=131}}</ref>
|-
|40
|{{Flag|Portugal}}
|{{dts|29 March 1976}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://portaldiplomatico.mne.gov.pt/relacoesbilaterais/paises-geral/lesoto |title=Lesoto - Países - Relações Bilaterais - Portal Diplomático |accessdate=8 November 2023}}</ref>
|-
|41
|{{Flag|Spain}}
|{{dts|3 May 1976}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.exteriores.gob.es/documents/fichaspais/lesotho_ficha%20pais.pdf |title=RELACIONES BILATERALES CON ESPAÑA |accessdate=8 November 2023}}</ref>
|-
|42
|{{Flag|Norway}}
|{{dts|8 May 1976}}<ref>{{cite web |date=27 April 1999 |title=Norges opprettelse af diplomatiske forbindelser med fremmede stater |url=https://www.regjeringen.no/globalassets/departementene/ud/vedlegg/protokoll/diplomatiske_forbindelser.pdf |access-date=18 October 2021 |website=regjeringen.no |language=no}}</ref>
|-
|43
|{{Flag|Bahrain}}
|{{dts|24 July 1976}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bilateral relations |url=https://www.mofa.gov.bh/Default.aspx?tabid=73&language=en-US |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505195337/https://www.mofa.gov.bh/Default.aspx?tabid=73&language=en-US |archive-date=5 May 2012 |access-date=15 May 2023}}</ref>
|-
|44
|{{Flag|Malawi}}
|{{dts|4 September 1976}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Africa Research Bulletin |publisher=Blackwell |year=1976 |pages=4150 |quote=The Lesotho Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced in Maseru that Lesotho and Malawi have established  diplomatic relations at High Commissioner level on a non-residential basis.}}</ref>
|-
|45
|{{Flag|Greece}}
|{{dts|31 January 1977}}<ref name="Société africaine d'édition">{{Cite book |title=Revue française d'études politiques africaines Issues 133-137 |publisher=Société africaine d'édition |year=1977 |pages=11 |language=fr}}</ref>
|-
|46
|{{Flag|Poland}}
|{{dts|20 December 1978}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lesotho |url=https://www.gov.pl/web/rpa/relacje-dwustronne-Lesotho |access-date=23 July 2023 |language=pl}}</ref>
|-
|47
|{{Flag|New Zealand}}
|{{dts|1978}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 September 2023 |title=New Zealand High Commissioner Presents Credentials to Lesotho King |url=https://theafricadailypost.com/18755/diplomacy/new-zealand-high-commissioner-presents-credentials-to-lesotho-king |access-date=13 August 2025}}</ref>
|-
|48
|{{Flag|Finland}}
|{{dts|1 February 1979}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://finlandabroad.fi/web/lso/finland-and-lesotho |title=Finland and Lesotho |website=Finland abroad: Lesotho |accessdate=8 November 2023}}</ref>
|-
|49
|{{Flag|Cuba}}
|{{dts|14 June 1979}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=14 deJunio 1979 - Establecimiento de relaciones diplomáticas entre Cuba y Lesotho. Feliz 40 Aniversario |url=https://twitter.com/CUBAONU/status/1139615269490503680}}</ref>
|-
|50
|{{Flag|Guyana}}
|{{dts|25 August 1979}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.minfor.gov.gy/docs/other/diplomatic_relations_list.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2016-02-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307101008/http://www.minfor.gov.gy/docs/other/diplomatic_relations_list.pdf |archive-date=7 March 2016}}</ref>
|-
|51
|{{Flag|Jamaica}}
|{{dts|19 October 1979}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Countries with which Jamaica has Established Diplomatic Relations |url=http://mfaft.gov.jm/jm/establishment-of-diplomatic-relations |access-date=16 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308040029/http://mfaft.gov.jm/jm/establishment-of-diplomatic-relations |archive-date=8 March 2016 |date=16 April 2021}}</ref>
|-
|52
|{{Flag|Guinea}}
|{{dts|1 November 1979}}<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=Kingdom of Lesotho - Diplomatic list January 1982 |year=1982 |pages=4–5}}</ref>
|-
|53
|{{Flag|Barbados}}
|{{dts|25 November 1979}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://foreign.gov.bb/documents/foreign-policy/22-countries-with-diplomaic-relations-with-barbados/file |title=LIST OF COUNTRIES WITH WHICH BARBADOS HAS DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BY REGIONS |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (Barbados) |access-date=25 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813184054/https://www.foreign.gov.bb/documents/foreign-policy/22-countries-with-diplomaic-relations-with-barbados/file |archive-date=13 August 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|54
|{{Flag|Russia}}
|{{dts|1 February 1980}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=RUSSIA - LESOTHO RELATIONS (Embassy of Russian Federation in RSA) |url=https://russianembassyza.mid.ru/russia-lesotho-relations}}</ref>
|-
|55
|{{Flag|Albania}}
|{{dts|June 1980}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Yearbook on International Communist Affairs |publisher=Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace, Stanford University. |year=1981 |pages=219 |quote=During 1980, PSRA established diplomatic relations with Ecuador (January), Sri Lanka (March), Djibouti (April), Zimbabwe (April), the Seychelles (May), Niger (June), Lesotho (June), and Cape Verde (August) .}}</ref>
|-
|56
|{{flag|Bulgaria}}
|{{dts|10 July 1980}}
|-
|57
|{{Flag|North Korea}}
|{{dts|19 July 1980}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016 |title=DPRK Diplomatic Relations |url=https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/issue-briefs/DPRK_Diplo_Relations_August2016.pdf |access-date=14 July 2022 |publisher=NCNK |pages=8–9}}</ref>
|-
|58
|{{Flag|Ethiopia}}
|{{dts|22 July 1980}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Le Mois en Afrique Issues 170-179 |publisher=1980 |pages=136 |language=fr |quote=ADDIS ABEBA, 22 juillet. – Quatre ambassadeurs qui viennent d'être nommés en Ethiopie ont présenté leurs lettres de créances au chef de l'Etat éthiopien, le lieutenant - colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam . Il s'agit de MM ... Thabo Ephrem Ntlahakana (Lesotho) ...}}</ref>
|-
|59
|{{Flag|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}
|{{dts|6 November 1980}}<ref name=":0" />
|-
|60
|{{Flag|Turkey}}
|{{dts|1980}}<ref name="facebook.com">{{cite web |title=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Lesotho |url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1997191540448607&id=197790643722048&__cft__[0]=AZXGhlGrRWVBA7z6UKfITwma6Lm2oQ1YZ46iRA5AE0BC43l0MYOhZowhDLyAyJMu-11n227CuvpGIPDtnOBKUeo_i-mk263BukL4Wfj22db9rmDUSb1tjfB2hmVS8qOBW0ClmytnYHcHNBb1hr83dUBnpCnrXPxrQRJPR-hitFkBoXi9PAonDZ323L6MLXh6R3I&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R |access-date=17 February 2024 |website=[[Facebook]]}}</ref>
|-
|61
|{{Flag|Luxembourg}}
|{{dts|15 May 1982}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 1982 |title=CORPS DIPLOMATIQUE accrédité auprès des Communautés européennes |url=https://aei.pitt.edu/52878/1/B0806.pdf |access-date=19 June 2025 |pages=1, 103 |language=fr}}</ref>
|-
|62
|{{Flag|Zimbabwe}}
|{{dts|1 July 1982}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Legum |first=Colin |title=Africa Contemporary Record: Annual Survey and Documents |publisher=Africana Publishing Company |year=1982 |pages=642}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/DTIC_ADA353555/page/15/mode/1up?q=ambassador+Benin+credentials |title=DTIC ADA353555: Sub-Saharan Africa Report No. 2660 |date=19 July 1982 |publisher=Defense Technical Information Center |access-date=3 February 2024}}</ref>
|-
|63
|{{Flag|Czech Republic}}
|{{dts|7 November 1982}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Petruf |first=Pavol |title=Československá zahraničná politika 1945 – 1992 |pages=99–119 |language=sk}}</ref>
|-
|64
|{{Flag|Iraq}}
|{{dts|1982}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Lesotho Clippings |publisher=Documentation and Publications Division, Institute of Southern African Studies, National University of Lesotho |year=1982 |pages=62 |quote=.. Iraqi Ambassador to Lesotho Mr. A. K. Makki who is based in Maputo ...}}</ref>
|-
|65
|{{Flag|Bangladesh}}
|{{dts|4 March 1983}}<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/jprs-report_jprs-83365/page/143/mode/1up?q=+Lesotho+ |title=Near East/South Asia Report No. 2745 |date=29 April 1983 |pages=143 |access-date=22 January 2024}}</ref>
|-
|66
|{{Flag|Hungary}}
|{{dts|29 March 1983}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Weekly Bulletin - Volume 22, Issues 1-17 |publisher=The Agency |year=1983 |pages=17}}</ref>
|-
|67
|{{Flag|China}}
|{{dts|30 April 1983}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjdt_665385/2649_665393/200204/t20020425_679068.html |title=Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Lesotho |website=www.fmprc.gov.cn |accessdate=8 November 2023}}</ref>
|-
|68
|{{Flag|Nicaragua}}
|{{dts|14 June 1983}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Keesing's Contemporary Archives. Volume 29. |year=1983 |pages=32482}}</ref>
|-
|69
|{{Flag|Venezuela}}
|{{dts|26 June 1983}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Volume 1 of V mensaje al Congreso de la República: Caracas, 26 de enero de 1984, Venezuela. President (1979-1984 : Herrera Campíns) |publisher=Ministerio de Información y Turismo, 1984 |pages=615}}</ref>
|-
|70
|{{Flag|Iceland}}
|{{dts|24 August 1983}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iceland - Establishment of Diplomatic Relations |url=https://www.government.is/ministries/ministry-for-foreign-affairs/protocol/establishment-of-diplomatic-relations/ |access-date=1 August 2021 |website=Government of Iceland}}</ref>
|-
|71
|{{Flag|Algeria}}
|{{dts|1983}}<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Ambrose |first=David |title=Lesotho |date=1983 |pages=814}}</ref>
|-
|72
|{{Flag|Angola}}
|{{dts|1983}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 April 2022 |title=HIS MAJESTY ACCEPTS LETTERS OF CREDENCE FROM ANGOLA |url=https://www.gov.ls/his-majesty-accepts-letter-of-credence-from-angola/ |access-date=18 July 2023}}</ref>
|-
|73
|{{Flag|Rwanda}}
|{{dts|1983}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 August 2021 |title=HIS MAJESTY ACCEPTS LETTERS OF CREDENCE FROM RWANDA |url=https://www.gov.ls/his-majesty-accepts-letters-of-credence-from-rwanda/ |access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref>
|-
|74
|{{Flag|Pakistan}}
|{{dts|4 July 1984}}<ref>{{Cite book|title=Summary of World Broadcasts: Non-Arab Africa, Issues 7684-7709|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation. Monitoring Service|year=1984|pages=16}}</ref>
|-
|75
|{{Flag|Mongolia}}
|{{dts|2 July 1985}}
|-
|76
|{{Flag|Bahamas}}
|{{dts|1987}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Bahamas Handbook and Businessman's Annual |publisher=Etienne Dupuch, Jr. Publications |year=1987 |pages=438 |quote=High Commissioners not resident in Nassau represent Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, Canada, Cyprus, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Lesotho (an African monarchy whose King Moshoeshoe II has visited Nassau), Nigeria and Zambia .}}</ref>
|-
|77
|{{Flag|Malaysia}}
|{{dts|31 March 1988}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Foreign Affairs Malaysia, Volume 21, Issues 1-3 |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs., 1988 |pages=80}}</ref>
|-
|78
|{{Flag|Thailand}}
|{{dts|17 April 1989}}
|-
|79
|{{Flag|Peru}}
|{{dts|21 July 1989}}
|-
|80
|{{Flag|Singapore}}
|{{dts|12 January 1990}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diplomatic & consular list |url=https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Overseas-Missions/-/media/D74B3129AEFA44BB8FC411746F005489.ashx |access-date=11 July 2022 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore |page=}}</ref>
|-
|—
|{{Flag|Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic}}
|{{Dts|5 April 1990}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Country Report, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland |publisher=[[Economist Intelligence Unit]] |year=1990 |pages=46}}</ref>
|-
|81
|{{Flag|Namibia}}
|{{dts|11 April 1990}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Defense & Foreign Affairs Handbook |year=2002 |pages=1027}}</ref>
|-
|82
|{{Flag|Morocco}}
|{{dts|1990}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lesotho |url=http://www.diplomatie.ma/Politique%C3%A9trang%C3%A8re/Afrique/Relationsbilaterales/tabid/177/vw/1/ItemID/110/language/en-US/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129174141/http://www.diplomatie.ma/Politiqueétrangère/Afrique/Relationsbilaterales/tabid/177/vw/1/ItemID/110/language/en-US/Default.aspx |archive-date=29 November 2014 |access-date=27 May 2023 |language=fr}}</ref>
|-
|83
|{{Flag|South Africa}}
|{{dts|21 May 1992}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Southern African Political History: A Chronology of Key Political Events from Independence to Mid-1997 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |year=1999 |pages=516}}</ref>
|-
|84
|{{Flag|Indonesia}}
|{{dts|4 November 1993}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lesotho |url=https://kemlu.go.id/pretoria/kebijakan/profil-negara-dan-capaian-hubungan-bilateral/lesotho |access-date=4 February 2025 |website=kemlu.go.id |language=id}}</ref>
|-
|85
|{{Flag|Slovakia}}
|{{dts|8 May 1995}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lesotho |url=https://www.mzv.sk/cestovanie_a_konzularne_info/detail/-/asset_publisher/Iw1ppvnScIPx/content/lesothske-kralovstvo?displayMode=1 |access-date=9 March 2022 |language=sk}}</ref>
|-
|86
|{{Flag|Vietnam}}
|{{dts|6 January 1998}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mofa.gov.vn/en/cn_vakv/ |title=- General Information about Countries and Regions |website=www.mofa.gov.vn |access-date=29 December 2018}}</ref>
|-
|87
|{{Flag|Philippines}}
|{{dts|15 April 1998}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 April 2017 |title=Today we celebrate 19 years of formal diplomatic relations with Lesotho! |url=https://twitter.com/DFAPHL/status/853123246144860160 |access-date=31 July 2023}}</ref>
|-
|88
|{{Flag|Colombia}}
|{{dts|17 April 1998}}
|-
|89
|{{Flag|Costa Rica}}
|{{dts|17 April 1998}}
|-
|90
|{{Flag|Uruguay}}
|{{dts|26 May 1998}}
|-
|91
|{{Flag|Chile}}
|{{dts|25 August 1998}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bcn.cl/obtienearchivo?id=repositorio/10221/12006/1/91367_BCNINFORME_GRID_01-08-2011_JJ_AFRICA.doc |title=Relaciones político-económicas entre Chile y el continente africano |accessdate=8 November 2023}}</ref>
|-
|92
|{{Flag|North Macedonia}}
|{{dts|3 September 1998}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bilateral relations |url=http://www.mfa.gov.mk/default1.aspx?ItemID=310 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930040551/http://www.mfa.gov.mk/default1.aspx?ItemID=310 |archive-date=30 September 2011 |access-date=3 April 2021 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia}}</ref>
|-
|93
|{{Flag|Croatia}}
|{{dts|6 November 1998}}
|-
|94
|{{Flag|Argentina}}
|{{dts|19 May 1999}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Biblioteca Digital de Tratados |url=https://tratados.cancilleria.gob.ar/tratado_ficha.php?id=lZ6mlQ==}}</ref>
|-
|95
|{{Flag|Brunei}}
|{{dts|30 March 2000}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Brunei Darussalam Newsletter |publisher=Department of Information, Prime Minister's Office |date=March 2000}}</ref>
|-
|96
|{{Flag|Ukraine}}
|{{dts|1 June 2000}}
|-
|97
|{{Flag|Sri Lanka}}
|{{dts|14 July 2000}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diplomatic relations |url=https://mfa.gov.lk/dpl-relations/ |access-date=10 July 2022 |language=}}</ref>
|-
|98
|{{Flag|Lithuania}}
|{{dts|20 July 2000}}
|-
|99
|{{flag|Tunisia}}
|{{dts|1 December 2000}}
|-
|100
|{{Flag|Qatar}}
|{{dts|10 April 2001}}
|-
|101
|{{Flag|Mauritius}}
|{{DTS|20 December 2001}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 December 2001 |title=Mauritius and Lesotho Enter into Diplomatic Relations |url=http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/articles/2002/Mauritius%20and%20Lesotho%20Enter%20into%20Diplomatic%20Relations.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030310024612/http://www.lesotho.gov.ls:80/articles/2002/Mauritius%20and%20Lesotho%20Enter%20into%20Diplomatic%20Relations.htm |archive-date=10 March 2003 |access-date=30 March 2025}}</ref>
|-
|102
|{{Flag|Lebanon}}
|{{dts|28 May 2002}}<ref>{{Cite news |title=Lebanon and Lesotho normalise diplomatic relations |url=http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/articles/2002/Lebanon%20and%20Lesotho%20Stabilises.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030123230707/http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/articles/2002/Lebanon%20and%20Lesotho%20Stabilises.htm |archive-date=23 January 2003 |access-date=30 March 2025}}</ref>
|-
|103
|{{Flag|Libya}}
|{{dts|20 March 2003}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Speech by His Majesty King Letsie III on occasion of the presentation of credentials by the Secretary (Ambassador) Designate of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mr. Mohamed F. Alagamudi at the Royal Palace on Thursday, 20 March 2003 |url=http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/articles/2003/Speech%20-%20King%20-%20Lybia%20Abassador.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030402070558/http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/articles/2003/Speech%20-%20King%20-%20Lybia%20Abassador.htm |archive-date=2 April 2003 |access-date=26 April 2025 |website=lesotho.gov.ls}}</ref>
|-
|104
|{{Flag|Cyprus}}
|{{dts|25 February 2004}}
|-
|105
|{{Flag|Ireland}}
|{{dts|14 June 2005}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2005 |title=Mono – Diplomats |url=https://presspack.rte.ie/2005/06/14/mono-diplomats/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124190157/https://presspack.rte.ie/2005/06/14/mono-diplomats/ |archive-date=24 January 2022 |access-date=26 February 2025 |website=presspack.rte.ie}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 March 2024 |title=His Majesty applauds Ireland over fund |url=https://www.gov.ls/credentials/his-majesty-applauds-ireland-over-fund/ |access-date=26 February 2025 |website=Government of Lesotho}}</ref>
|-
|106
|{{Flag|Malta}}
|{{dts|11 April 2006}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lesotho – Protocol on the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries |url=https://foreign.gov.mt/treaty/lesotho-protocol-on-the-establishment-of-diplomatic-relations-between-the-two-countries/ |access-date=3 October 2023 |website=foreign.gov.mt}}</ref>
|-
|107
|{{Flag|Sudan}}
|{{dts|15 November 2007}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 November 2007 |title=SUDAN AMBASSADOR PRESENTS LETTERS OF CREDENCE |url=http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/articles/2007/SUDAN_AMBASSADOR_PRESENTS.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209155722/http://www.lesotho.gov.ls:80/articles/2007/SUDAN_AMBASSADOR_PRESENTS.php |archive-date=9 December 2007 |access-date=30 March 2025}}</ref>
|-
|108
|{{Flag|Monaco}}
|{{dts|15 July 2008}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Remise des lettres de créance de S.E. M. le Dr Makase NYAPHISI Ambassadeur Extraordinaire et Plénipotentiaire du Royaume du Lesotho auprès de la Principauté de Monaco |url=https://www.palais.mc/fr/actualites/s-a-s-le-prince-albert-ii/audience/2008/juillet/remise-des-lettres-de-creance-de-s-e-m-le-dr-makase-nyaphisi-ambassadeur-extraordinaire-et-plenipotentiaire-du-royaume-du-lesotho-aupres-de-la-principaute-de-monaco-1069.html}}</ref>
|-
|109
|{{Flag|Nepal}}
|{{dts|18 May 2010}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bilateral Relations |url=https://mofa.gov.np/foreign-policy/bilateral-relation/ |access-date=25 June 2021 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal}}</ref>
|-
|110
|{{Flag|San Marino}}
|{{dts|30 November 2010}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rapporti bilaterali della Repubblica di San Marino |url=https://www.esteri.sm/pub2/EsteriSM/Relazioni-Internazionali/Rapporti-Bilaterali.html |access-date=15 December 2021 |language=it}}</ref>
|-
|111
|{{Flag|Seychelles}}
|{{dts|25 January 2011}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 January 2011 |title=First Lesotho high commissioner to Seychelles accredited |url=https://www.nation.sc/archive/229387/first-lesotho-high-commissioner-to-seychelles-accredited |access-date=22 July 2023}}</ref>
|-
|112
|{{Flag|Estonia}}
|{{dts|26 September 2012}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 January 2018 |title=Diplomaatiliste suhete (taas)kehtestamise kronoloogia |url=https://www.vm.ee/rahvusvaheline-suhtlus-uleilmne-eestlus/suhted-teiste-riikidega/diplomaatiliste-suhete |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=26 October 2022 |language=et}}</ref>
|-
|113
|{{Flag|Azerbaijan}}
|{{dts|28 September 2012}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bilateral diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Lesotho |url=https://mfa.gov.az/en/category/africa/lesotho |access-date=3 September 2023 |website=mfa.gov.az}}</ref>
|-
|114
|{{Flag|Trinidad and Tobago}}
|{{dts|2 November 2012}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Non-Resident Missions Accredited to T&T |url=https://foreign.gov.tt/missions-consuls/non-resident-missions-accredited-tt/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130025739/https://foreign.gov.tt/missions-consuls/non-resident-missions-accredited-tt/ |archive-date=30 November 2017 |access-date=27 December 2023 |website=Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Trinidad and Tobago}}</ref>
|-
|115
|{{Flag|Georgia}}
|{{dts|23 September 2013}}
|-
|116
|{{Flag|Montenegro}}
|{{dts|23 September 2013}}
|-
|117
|{{Flag|Latvia}}
|{{dts|10 February 2014}}
|-
|118
|{{Flag|Kazakhstan}}
|{{dts|2 April 2015}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Страны, установившие дипломатические отношения с Республикой Казахстан |url=http://mfa.kz/ru/content-view/spisok-stran-ustanovivshikh-diplomaticheskie-otnosheniya-s-rk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220233503/http://mfa.kz/ru/content-view/spisok-stran-ustanovivshikh-diplomaticheskie-otnosheniya-s-rk |archive-date=20 February 2020 |access-date=30 April 2022 |language=ru}}</ref>
|-
|119
|{{Flag|Eritrea}}
|{{dts|21 June 2015}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 June 2015 |title=Lesotho: Ambassador Saleh Omar Presents Credentials to King of Lesotho |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201506221119.html |access-date=4 August 2023 |website=allAfrica}}</ref>
|-
|120
|{{Flag|Burkina Faso}}
|{{dts|14 April 2016}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 April 2016 |title=Burkina Faso- Royaume du Lesotho : L'Ambassadeur Salamata SAWADOGO/TAPSOBA présente ses lettres de créances |language=fr |url=https://lefaso.net/spip.php?article70706 |access-date=26 March 2022}}</ref>
|-
|121
|{{Flag|Mauritania}}
|{{dts|9 March 2017}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 March 2017 |title=Notre ambassadeur à Maseru présente ses lettres de créances au Roi du Lesotho |url=https://ami.mr/fr/index.php/2017/03/11/notre-ambassadeur-a-maseru-presente-ses-lettres-de-creances-au-roi-du-lesotho/ |access-date=24 July 2023 |website=Agence Mauritanienne d'information |language=fr}}</ref>
|-
|122
|{{Flag|Kyrgyzstan}}
|{{dts|20 July 2017}}
|-
|123
|{{Flag|Niger}}
|{{dts|17 August 2017}}<ref>{{cite news |title=His majesty receives Denmark, Niger credentials |url=http://www.gov.ls/gov_webportal/articles/2017/August/denmark_niger_present_credentials_to_king.html |url-status=dead |access-date=4 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504225452/http://www.gov.ls/gov_webportal/articles/2017/August/denmark_niger_present_credentials_to_king.html |archive-date=4 May 2018}}</ref>
|-
|124
|{{Flag|Belarus}}
|{{dts|2020}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020 |title=Обзор итогов внешней политики Республики Беларусь и деятельности Министерства иностранных дел в 2020 году |url=https://mfa.gov.by/publication/reports/d6f0d673cfeb1664.html |access-date=9 July 2022 |language=ru}}</ref>
|-
|125
|{{Flag|Maldives}}
|{{dts|29 March 2021}}
|-
|126
|{{Flag|Saudi Arabia}}
|{{dts|20 August 2021}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 20, 2021 |title=The Kingdom signs an agreement to establish diplomatic relations with Lesotho |url=https://sawahpress.com/en/news/the-kingdom-signs-an-agreement-to-establish-diplomatic-relations-with-lesotho/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204211430/https://sawahpress.com/en/news/the-kingdom-signs-an-agreement-to-establish-diplomatic-relations-with-lesotho/ |archive-date=4 February 2022 |access-date=15 November 2023 |website=SawahPress}}</ref>
|-
|—
|{{Flag|State of Palestine}}
|{{dts|30 September 2021}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 September 2021 |title=السفيرة حنان جرار تقدم أوراق اعتمادها كأول سفير لفلسطين لدى مملكة ليسوتو |url=https://amad.ps/ar/post/424107/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%AD%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85-%D8%A3%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%87%D8%A7-%D9%83%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%B3%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D9%84%D9%81%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%B7%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%89-%D9%85%D9%85%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%AA%D9%88 |access-date=4 January 2024 |website=amad.ps |language=ar}}</ref>
|-
|—
|{{Flag|Sovereign Military Order of Malta}}
|{{dts|7 December 2021}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 December 2021 |title=Order of Malta's mission to the UN in New York announces opening of diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of Lesotho |url=https://www.orderofmalta.int/news/order-of-maltas-mission-to-the-un-in-new-york-announces-opening-of-diplomatic-ties-with-the-kingdom-of-lesotho/ |access-date=12 December 2021}}</ref>
|-
|127
|{{Flag|Dominican Republic}}
|{{dts|2 November 2023}}
|-
|128
|{{Flag|Bhutan}}
|{{dts|29 October 2024}}
|-
|129
|{{Flag|Bolivia}}
|{{dts|8 November 2024}}
|-
|130
|{{Flag|Jordan}}
|{{dts|7 May 2025}}
|-
|131
|{{Flag|Armenia}}
|{{dts|12 November 2025}}<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1988653298778542148 |user=ParuyrPh |title=Pleased to sign the Joint Communiqué establishing diplomatic relations between #Armenia and #Lesotho with H.E. Matete Nena.We look forward to strengthening 🇦🇲🇱🇸 cooperation, including as fellow #LLDCs, for inclusive and sustainable development. |date=12 November 2025}}</ref>
|}

==Bilateral relations==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
|-
! style="width:15%;" | Country
! style="width:12%;" | Formal Relations Began
!Notes 
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Canada}}||<!--Date started-->1967||See [[Canada–Lesotho relations]]
*Canada is represented in Lesotho via parallel accreditation of its high commission in [[Pretoria]], [[South Africa]]<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/southafrica-afriquedusud/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/canada_lesotho.aspx?lang=eng|title=Canada - Lesotho Relations|first=Foreign Affairs Trade and Development Canada|last=Government of Canada|date=25 November 2008|website=GAC|access-date=29 December 2018}}</ref>  and has an honorary consulate in [[Maseru]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/southafrica-afriquedusud/contact-maseru-contactez.aspx?lang=eng |title=Contact and Office Information |access-date=10 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113033955/http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/southafrica-afriquedusud/contact-maseru-contactez.aspx?lang=eng |archive-date=13 January 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> 
*Since 2006, Lesotho has a high commission in [[Ottawa]]<ref name="auto" /> 
*Both countries are full members of [[Commonwealth of Nations]].
*[[Pakalitha Mosisili]] was educated in through Canadian Government provided scholarships
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Cyprus}}||25 February 2004||
*Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 February 2004.<ref>{{in lang|el}} http://www.olc.gov.cy/olc/olc.nsf/all/710606392EF19C61C22575D70026BED9/$file/List%20of%20Lesotho.pdf?openelement {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113034759/http://www.olc.gov.cy/olc/olc.nsf/all/710606392EF19C61C22575D70026BED9/$file/List%20of%20Lesotho.pdf?openelement |date=13 January 2017 }}</ref> 
*Cyprus is represented in Lesotho through its High Commission in [[Pretoria]], [[South Africa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2016.nsf/mfa32_en/mfa32_en?OpenDocument|title=MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - Bilateral Relations|website=www.mfa.gov.cy|access-date=29 December 2018}}</ref>
*Lesotho is represented in Cyprus via parallel accreditation of its High Commission in [[London]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2016.nsf/All/A3B2074D4DD8FB19C2258029003120C9?OpenDocument|title=MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - Foreign Diplomatic Missions in Cyprus – International Organizations|website=www.mfa.gov.cy|access-date=29 December 2018}}</ref>
*Both countries are full members of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]]. 
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|France}}||||See [[France–Lesotho relations]]
* France is accredited to Lesotho from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. 
* Lesotho is accredited to France from its embassy in Berlin, Germany.
|-
|{{Flag|Germany}}

|1966<ref name=":1" />
|
* Germany is represented in Lesotho through its embassy in [[Pretoria]], [[South Africa]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/laenderinformationen/lesotho-node/lesotho/235744|title=Lesotho|last=Amt|first=Auswärtiges|website=German Federal Foreign Office|language=en|access-date=2019-10-21}}</ref>
* Lesotho has an embassy in [[Berlin]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.ls/directory/embassy-of-the-kingdom-of-lesotho-germany/|title=Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Germany|date=2018-04-30|website=Government of Lesotho|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-21}}</ref>
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Greece}}||31 January 1977||Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 January 1977<ref name="Société africaine d'édition"/>
*Greece is represented in Lesotho through its embassy in [[Pretoria]], [[South Africa]].<ref name="mfa.gr">{{cite web|url=https://www.mfa.gr/en/blog/greece-bilateral-relations/lesotho/|title=Greece's Bilateral Relations|website=www.mfa.gr|access-date=29 December 2018}}</ref>
*Lesotho is represented in Greece via parallel accreditation of its embassy in [[Rome]], [[Italy]].<ref name="mfa.gr" />
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|India}}||8 June 1971<ref>{{Cite book|title=Southern African Political History: A Chronology of Key Political Events from Independence to Mid-1997|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|year=1999|pages=121}}</ref>||See [[India–Lesotho relations]]
* The High Commission in Pretoria has been concurrently accredited to Lesotho.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiaafricaconnect.in/index.php?param=news/7499/news/119|title=Welcome To India Africa Connect - News - India appoints honorary consul to Lesotho|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-date=21 April 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140421050223/http://indiaafricaconnect.in/index.php?param=news/7499/news/119|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Lesotho has a High Commission in [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foreign.gov.ls/missions/show_missions.php?Country=India|title=Diplomatic List - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Lesotho|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924014538/http://www.foreign.gov.ls/missions/show_missions.php?Country=India|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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|{{flag|Ireland}}||14 June 2005||
Lesotho has significant relations with [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]. On 13 November 1997, [[Liz O'Donnell]] (Irish Minister for State) spoke about the relationship between the two nations and Ireland's future commitment towards Lesotho. The Irish Prime Minister, [[Bertie Ahern]] visited Lesotho in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2000/0110/taoiseach.html|title=Taoiseach continues visit to Lesotho|date=10 January 2000|work=RTE.ie|access-date=1 September 2015}}</ref> This relationship was further strengthened by a visit from the then [[President of Ireland]] [[Mary McAleese]] between 14 and 16 June 2006 on her speech about the long-standing relationship with Lesotho and shared history between both nations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.president.ie/index.php?section=5&speech=249&lang=eng|title=Welcome - President.ie|access-date=1 September 2015}}</ref>

The Irish Government has donated aid to Lesotho since 1975. Donations to Lesotho is Ireland's longest running aid programme.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/lesotho.asp|title=404 Page not found - Irish Aid - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade|access-date=1 September 2015}}</ref> On 14 February 2005, Lesotho announced that Ireland is the largest bilateral donor with financial support in excess of M70 million in each of the past three years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/articles/2005/PM_Visits_Ireland.htm |title=The Prime Minister Visits Irelandv |access-date=2009-05-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116213937/http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/articles/2005/PM_Visits_Ireland.htm |archive-date=16 January 2009}}</ref> Ireland also supports Lesotho's Flying Doctor Service, education, sanitation, water and various health such as the Fight against AIDS with the [[Clinton Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/about/health.php |title=Lesotho Health |access-date=2009-05-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505153652/http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/about/health.php |archive-date=5 May 2009}}</ref>
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|{{flag|Mexico}}||14 November 1975||

* Lesotho is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lesothoemb-usa.gov.ls/home/ |title=Embassy of Lesotho in the United States |publisher=Lesothoemb-usa.gov.ls |date=2009-08-14 |access-date=2018-12-29}}</ref>
* Mexico is accredited to Lesotho from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/sudafrica/ |title=Embassy of Mexico in South Africa |publisher=Embamex.sre.gob.mx |access-date=2018-12-29}}</ref>
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|{{flag|South Korea}}||<!--Date started-->7 December 1966||
Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Korea and Lesotho is 7 December 1966 and in 2011 Bilateral Trade were Exports $27,330,000, Imports: $290,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/countries/middleeast/countries/20070804/1_24496.jsp?menu=m_30_50|title=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea-Middle East and Africa|author=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea|work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904015758/http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/countries/middleeast/countries/20070804/1_24496.jsp?menu=m_30_50|archive-date=4 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> 
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|{{flag|Turkey}}||1980||
*Embassy of [[Lesotho]] in [[Rome]] is accredited to Turkey.<ref name="auto70">{{Cite web | url=http://www.mfa.gov.tr/relations-between-turkey-and-lesotho.en.mfa| title= Relations between Turkey and Lesotho}}</ref>
*Turkish ambassador in [[Pretoria]] to [[South Africa]] is also accredited to [[Lesotho]].<ref name="auto70" />
*Trade volume between the two countries was 1.65 million USD in 2019 (Lesotho's exports/imports: 0.03/1.62 million USD).<ref name="auto70" />
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|{{flag|United Kingdom}}||4 October 1966|| See [[Lesotho–United Kingdom relations]]
[[File:Prime Minister of Lesotho (13717448975).jpg|thumb|right|British Foreign Office Minister [[Hugo Swire]] with [[Prime Minister of Lesotho|Masotho Prime Minister]] [[Tom Thabane]] in London, April 2014.]]
Lesotho established [[Foreign relations of the United Kingdom|diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom]] on 4 October 1966.<ref name="britain"/>
*Lesotho maintains a [[High Commission of Lesotho, London|high commission]] in [[London]].<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|author=Diplomat Magazine|date=1 November 2014|url=https://diplomatmagazine.com/heads-of-mission/africa/lesotho/|title=Lesotho|website=Diplomat Magazine|access-date=28 September 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250620133330//web/20250620133330/https://diplomatmagazine.com/heads-of-mission/africa/lesotho/|archive-date=20 June 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
* The United Kingdom is accredited to Lesotho through its [[British High Commission|high commission]] in Maseru.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-maseru|title=British High Commission Maseru|website=[[gov.uk|GOV.UK]]|access-date=11 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910230633/https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-maseru|archive-date=10 September 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

The UK governed [[Basutoland|Lesotho]] from 1868 to 1966, when it achieved full independence.

Both countries share common membership of the [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] and the [[World Trade Organization]], as well as the [[Southern Africa Customs Union and Mozambique–United Kingdom Economic Partnership Agreement|SACUM–UK Economic Partnership Agreement]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Bavier|first=Joe|date=11 September 2019|title=Britain agrees post-Brexit trade deal with southern Africa|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-africa-trade-idUKKCN1VW1N5|website=[[Reuters]]|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218025328/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-africa-trade-idUKKCN1VW1N5/|archive-date=18 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>  Bilaterally the two countries have an Investment Agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/international-investment-agreements/treaties/bilateral-investment-treaties/2396/lesotho---united-kingdom-bit-1981-|title=Lesotho - United Kingdom BIT (1981)|website=[[UN Trade and Development]]|access-date=11 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811144728/https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/international-investment-agreements/treaties/bilateral-investment-treaties/2396/lesotho---united-kingdom-bit-1981-|archive-date=11 August 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
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|{{flag|United States}}||4 October 1966
15 April 2025
|See [[Lesotho-United States relations]]
The United States was one of the first four countries to establish an embassy in [[Maseru]] after Lesotho gained its independence from Great Britain in 1966.  Since this time, Lesotho and the United States have consistently maintained warm bilateral relations.  In 1996, the United States closed its bilateral aid program in Lesotho. The Southern African regional office of the [[U.S. Agency for International Development]] (USAID) in [[Gaborone]], [[Botswana]] now administers most of the U.S. assistance to Lesotho, which totalled approximately $2 million in [[Fiscal year|FY]] 2004. Total U.S. aid to Lesotho is over $69 million, including humanitarian food assistance. The [[Peace Corps]] has operated in Lesotho since 1969.About 69 Peace Corps volunteers concentrate in the sectors of health, agriculture, education, rural community development, and the [[Environment (biophysical)|environment]]. The Government of Lesotho encourages greater American participation in commercial life and welcomes interest from potential U.S. investors and suppliers. In 2007, the Government of Lesotho signed a compact with the [[Millennium Challenge Corporation]] to provide $362.5 million in support to develop Lesotho's water sector, healthcare [[infrastructure]], and private sector.

{{StateDept}}<ref>{{cite web |date=2018-07-27 |title=Lesotho |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2831.htm#relations |access-date=2018-12-29 |publisher=State.gov}}</ref>

The Lesotho Communications Authority granted [[Starlink]], a company owned by [[Elon Musk]] a license to operate for 10 years in Lesotho.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AFP |title=Lesotho grants license to Musk's Starlink |url=https://www.ewn.co.za/2025/04/14/lesotho-grants-license-to-musks-starlink |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=EWN |language=en}}</ref>
|}

==Notable people==
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> 
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
*[[Lefa Mokotjo]] (1999–2005), ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the People's Republic of China

==See also==
*[[List of diplomatic missions in Lesotho]]

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110716153836/http://foreignaffairs.gov.ie/home/index.aspx?id=27023 Further Reading from Irish Department of Foreign Affairs]

{{Foreign relations of Lesotho}}
{{Foreign relations of the Commonwealth of Nations}}
{{Africa in topic|Foreign relations of}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Foreign Relations of Lesotho}}
[[Category:Foreign relations of Lesotho| ]]
[[Category:Lesotho and the Commonwealth of Nations]]