/ 10 January 2000

IRISH PRIME MINISTER IN LESOTHO

IRISH Prime Minister Bertie Ahern arrived in Lesotho on Monday for a brief official visit to be followed by a four-day trip to neighbouring South Africa. Ahern and a delegation of Irish trade and aid officials were met at Maseru’s airport by Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili and members of his cabinet. The Irish premier was due to hold talks with Mosisili later Monday, likely to focus on Ireland’s aid to the impoverished kingdom, and pay a courtesy call on King Letsie III at his palace in the capital Maseru. Ahern was also due to visit various development projects supported by Irish aid and attend an evening banquet, hosted by Mosisili, before flying to Johannesburg early Tuesday.