The High Commissioner of New Zealand to the Kingdom of Lesotho, H.E. Dr. Emma Rebecca Dunlop-Bennett, presented her Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Letsie III on August 30, 2023, at the Royal Palace in Maseru.
Dunlop-Bennett is based in Pretoria, South Africa, and succeeds His Excellency Mr. Mike Burell, who completed his tour of duty.
The New Zealand High Commission in Lesotho is responsible for promoting and strengthening relations between the two countries. It also provides consular assistance to New Zealanders in Lesotho.
Lesotho and New Zealand have enjoyed warm relations since the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1978. The two countries cooperate in a number of areas, including capacity building, education, and trade.
New Zealand has provided training to Basotho at New Zealand’s institutions of higher learning, and has also supported the development of Lesotho’s electoral system.
Dunlop-Bennett said she was “honored” to be the new High Commissioner of New Zealand to Lesotho. She said she was looking forward to working with the government and people of Lesotho to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.