Maseru, Lesotho – His Majesty King Mswati III has praised the Kingdom of Lesotho for its contribution to the political and economic development of Southern Africa as the Mountain Kingdom marked 60 years of independence.
King Mswati III was speaking at Setsoto Stadium during Lesotho’s Diamond Jubilee independence celebrations, where he reflected on the country’s six decades of independence and its role in shaping regional affairs.
The Eswatini monarch described the relationship between Eswatini and Lesotho as one built on a long history of friendship, cultural ties and shared interests, particularly as the two kingdoms pursue peace and greater regional integration. 
King Mswati III also paid tribute to Lesotho’s founding father, King Moshoeshoe I, whose leadership established the country on principles of diplomacy, unity and refuge.
He said this legacy was demonstrated during the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, when Lesotho provided refuge to thousands of South African refugees and exiles, including students and people seeking independence.
The King noted that Lesotho also facilitated access to higher education for those who sought refuge in the country, including opportunities at the National University of Lesotho.
He further pointed to Lesotho’s contribution to regional integration, noting that the country was among the states that played a role in establishing the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) in 1980.
SADCC later evolved into the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 1992, becoming one of the region’s key organisations for cooperation and development.
King Mswati III said Lesotho’s independence six decades ago fulfilled the vision of King Moshoeshoe I.
HMK: “Six decades ago, when the flag of independent Lesotho was first raised, it fulfilled the vision of your great founding father, King Moshoeshoe I. He established a nation founded on peace, diplomacy, unity and the welcoming spirit of refuge.”
The King drew on an African proverb to describe Lesotho’s resilience and the strength of its national identity.
HMK: “There is an African proverb that says, “Trees with deep roots do not fear the storm.” For sixty years, the Mountain Kingdom has lived that truth. Your roots run deep in tradition, in peace and in national unity.”
King Mswati III also recognised Lesotho’s role during the anti apartheid struggle and its contribution to the education of South African refugees and exiles.
HMK: “We also ought to appreciate Lesotho for playing a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the region. The country provided asylum to thousands of South African refugees and exiles, including those seeking independence and students, and facilitated their education at institutions like the National University of Lesotho.”
He said Lesotho’s influence should not be measured by its geographical size or military strength, but by its culture and people.
HMK: “You have shown Southern Africa and the world something important: that the real strength of a nation is not measured by its size or its army, but by the depth of its culture and the dignity of its people.”
King Mswati III’s attendance at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations also reflected the longstanding relationship between the two royal households.
King Letsie III of Lesotho told the gathering that the two nations shared a rich history, cultural affinities and longstanding ties.
