Barbados??? cultural and sporting arenas could benefit significantly if an Agreement of Scientific and Cultural Cooperation between the island and the Kingdom of Lesotho is reestablished.

New High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Dr. Lesotho, Mathabo Tsepa, expressed an interest in reviving this Agreement, which was first established between the two countries in October 1984, during a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean, today.

???One of my goals is to work with you and revive the Agreement because it is quite relevant,??? the High Commissioner said. She explained that under the Agreement Barbados could receive assistance with technical training, culture, artistic expressions, sports and education.

Ms. Tsepa further noted that Barbados, like the Kingdom of Lesotho was a Commonwealth country, and stressed that there were a number of possibilities which could be explored.

This was welcomed by the Minister, who noted that Barbados was in the middle of reviewing its foreign policies.

She noted that Barbados was looking to create and provide opportunities for more young people in the areas of sports and culture. ???We are looking to set in place a framework for the use of Barbados for filming,??? Senator McClean said.

During the visit, the possibility of educational scholarships between the two countries was also discussed, along with the prospects for tapping into new areas such as tourism, youth entrepreneurship, training and health.

Senator McClean stated that the opportunities were there, and pointed out that one of the first steps to be taken in creating such opportunities was in the establishment of honorary consuls between the two countries.

The Agreement, signed in October 1984 originally sought to encourage, strengthen and develop cooperation and exchange among the scientific, cultural, educational, sporting, artistic, literary and social institutions of higher education.

Barbados and the Kingdom of Lesotho established diplomatic relations on November 15, 1979.

julia.rawlins-bentham@barbados.gov.bb

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