Zuma hosts Lesotho Prime Minister

The Presidency said Thabane will be accompanied by his Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Energy, Trade and Finance as well as Home Affairs.

"The meeting between the two leaders takes place in the context of promoting the African Agenda, strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and increasing trade and investment," read a statement.

Bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Lesotho spans a wide range of areas including, but not limited to, trade and investment, security, energy, transport, agriculture, tourism, water, as well as environment, it said.

South Africa and Lesotho recently agreed on the commencement of the construction of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project has been in operation for over 20 years and supplies South Africa with approximately 780 million cubic meters of water per annum. When fully operational, Phase II of the Project will substantially increase the volume of water supplied to South Africa.

South African companies have a significant presence in Lesotho and are involved in various sectors such as housing, food and beverages, construction, retail, hotels and leisure, banking, and medical services.