First of all,please allow me to pay respects to:
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Hon. Lejone Mpotjoane,
Chairperson of the board and Principal of Moruthane A.M.E. High School,
Area Chief,
Distinguished guests, dear teachers and students,

Good morning. It is a great pleasure to join you today at this important and meaningful sod-turning programme for the administration block of Moruthane A.M.E. High School. This project represents a joint effort by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho and the Chinese Embassy to support education and invest in the future of young people.

Last year, we planted young tree seedlings at the school. Today, those seedlings have taken root and grown into small but healthy young trees. Also today, we are beginning the construction of a new school facility. From planting trees to building classrooms and offices, these moments are closely connected, and they all point toward the future.

As I walked into the campus just now and saw the young trees we planted last year growing under the sunlight, I was reminded of a Chinese song whose lyrics speak of the morning sun shining on the trees. Lesotho is blessed with abundant sunshine and a bright sky. In such a nurturing environment, I firmly believe that students here will grow strong and upright, just like these young trees, taking root in knowledge and reaching upward toward their dreams.

Seeing the existing school buildings also brought back memories of my own school days. The facilities at that time were quite simple, but it was precisely under such conditions that I studied harder and pushed myself further, because I deeply believed then, as I do now, that education has the power to change one’s destiny and shape the future of a nation.

I also noticed a sentence written on the school wall: “Success is possible.” I find this message both encouraging and inspiring. With the joint efforts of teachers and students, and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations and all partners, success is indeed possible. Step by step, through perseverance and dedication, it can truly be achieved.

In China, we have a saying: it takes ten years to grow trees, but a hundred years to educate people. Education is a long-term undertaking that requires patience, continuity, and foresight. It is not only about buildings and facilities, but more importantly about nurturing character, expanding vision, and preparing young people for the future. We believe that education determines the strength of a nation and the direction of its long-term development. This belief was reaffirmed very recently at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which placed education at a priority position in national development planning. It is through education that individuals gain the ability to think independently, engage openly with the world, and contribute responsibly to society. This is a belief shared by many countries, including Lesotho.

Lesotho is known as the Kingdom in the Sky. Here, students grow up at high altitude, surrounded by mountains. Standing higher allows one to see further. In the same way, education enables young people to broaden their horizons and develop a global perspective. In today’s interconnected world, future generations should be confident in their own culture, while remaining open, inclusive and forward-looking.

China advocates the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity. Guided by this vision, China has put forward the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as a series of global initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative. These initiatives respond to the shared aspirations of Global South countries for development, stability, mutual respect among civilizations, and a stronger voice in global affairs.

China and Lesotho are both important members of the Global South. We share similar development aspirations and face similar challenges. The China–Lesotho strategic partnership reflects our shared commitment to choosing development paths suited to our own national conditions, and to strengthening cooperation in education, infrastructure, health, agriculture and other fields. Education cooperation, in particular, lays a solid foundation for long-term friendship and mutual understanding between our peoples.

The project we launch today is a concrete example of this partnership. It demonstrates how our diplomatic cooperation is translated into tangible benefits for schools, students and communities. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Honorable Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations for your continued support for this school. I also commend the school leadership and teachers for your dedication and perseverance.

Dear students, the facilities to learn knowledge and the opportunities to explore the world are open to you, but your future depends on your own efforts. I hope you will cherish every moment here, study diligently, broaden your vision, and grow into capable and responsible citizens who can contribute to Lesotho, China-Lesotho relations and engage confidently with the world.

Let us continue to work together so that the trees we planted last year will grow strong, and the project we begin today will stand firm for many years to come — as lasting symbols of education, development, and friendship between China and Lesotho.

Kea leboha haholo.

Thank you very much.