The two prominent businessmen have been appointed Honorary Consuls representing India and the Czech Republic, strengthening commercial and cultural ties between the host country and the country they represent.
The Indian Association of Lesotho (IAL) Biju Abraham Korah has been appointed as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of India in Lesotho.
This was announced by the Indian High Commissioner to South Africa and Lesotho Prabhat Kumar.
An honorary consul represents a foreign government in a particular area, promoting bilateral relations, assisting that country’s citizens, and facilitating trade and cultural exchange. They serve voluntarily and they are not career diplomats, and usually maintain other jobs or businesses alongside their consular duties.
Korah has been serving as the President of the IAL for the past eight years. “During his leadership, he has earned a strong reputation among both the Indian and Basotho communities for his generous nature, community service, and efforts to strengthen relations between India and Lesotho.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations confirmed the issuance of the Exequatur by King Letsie III authorising Korah to exercise his functions as Honorary Consul of India in Lesotho.
“Members of the Indian community described the appointment as a proud and historic moment, expressing confidence that Mr. Korah will continue to promote friendship, cooperation, and cultural ties between the two nations,” reads the statement issued by the IAL.
In another similar development, the Czech Republic has appointed André Bothma as their Honorary Consul in Lesotho. The Czech Republic Embassy has said in a statement.
“The Czech Republic and the Kingdom of Lesotho have taken a significant step in strengthening their bilateral relationship with the formal conclusion of the appointment of Mr. André Bothma as Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Maseru. The appointment has been duly formalised on both sides, marking the establishment of a Czech presence in Lesotho for the first time,” reads the statement.
Bothma is a prominent entrepreneur whose extensive experience spans construction, energy, medicinal cannabis and education.
The Czech Republic said that the opening of the Honorary Consulate demonstrates Czechia’s growing commitment to strengthening engagement with Lesotho across areas such as renewable energy, healthcare and people‑to‑people exchange, and provides a lasting institutional foundation for a partnership that continues to broaden in both scope and ambition.
The other European Union Member States that have also appointed the Honorary Consuls in Lesotho are Netherlands which is represented by Rethabile Mafura and Germany that has appointed ‘Mantopi Lebofa. These two countries also maintain their embassies in Pretoria, South Africa from which they manage relations with Lesotho.
Summary
- The Indian Association of Lesotho (IAL) Biju Abraham Korah has been appointed as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of India in Lesotho.
- The appointment has been duly formalised on both sides, marking the establishment of a Czech presence in Lesotho for the first time,” reads the statement.
- The Czech Republic said that the opening of the Honorary Consulate demonstrates Czechia’s growing commitment to strengthening engagement with Lesotho across areas such as renewable energy, healthcare and people‑to‑people exchange, and provides a lasting institutional foundation for a partnership that continues to broaden in both scope and ambition.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He focuses on parliament, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and court reports. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
