France–Lesotho relations

France–Lesotho relations are bilateral relations between the sovereign states of France and Lesotho. France has an embassy in Maseru, Lesotho,[1] while Lesotho doesn't have an embassy in Paris.

France–Lesotho relations
Map indicating locations of France and Lesotho

France

Lesotho

History

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Historically, France and Lesotho have had good relations, due to the presence of French Protestant Missionaries in 1820. In 1868 these missionaries warned the king of Lesotho at the time, Moshoeshoe I to make Lesotho a British protectorate because of the expansion of the Boers, thus, sparing the kingdom from Apartheid.[2]

Modern Relations

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While relations are modest, they are good shown by visits to France by Letsie III for the Africa-France Summit in 2007, and COP-21 in 2015, and a visit to Lesotho by Jean-Marie Bockel in 2007.

References

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  1. ^ "France embassies in Lesotho". embassies.org.
  2. ^ étrangères, Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires. "Lesotho". France Diplomacy - Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.