Malaysia’s High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Lesotho, His Excellency Datuk Yubazlan Yusof, undertook a series of diplomatic and institutional engagements during his visit to Maseru, culminating in the presentation of his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Letsie III.
The visit brought together engagements with Lesotho’s political leadership, diplomatic protocol officials, the higher education sector and Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme alumni, highlighting the breadth of Malaysia–Lesotho relations.
Yubazlan Yusof Presents Credentials to King Letsie III
The central engagement of the visit was the presentation of Letters of Credence by High Commissioner Yubazlan Yusof to His Majesty King Letsie III at the Royal Palace in Maseru on 10 September 2026.
Following the presentation, the High Commissioner was received by His Majesty in an audience and subsequently inspected the Royal Guard of Honour as part of the official ceremonial proceedings.
The presentation of credentials formally marks the beginning of Yubazlan Yusof’s assignment as Malaysia’s High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Malaysia and Lesotho established diplomatic relations in 1988 and have maintained relations encompassing areas such as education, training, human resource development and South-South cooperation.
During the occasion, Yubazlan Yusof expressed Malaysia’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Lesotho to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane
Following the presentation of his credentials, High Commissioner Yubazlan Yusof paid a courtesy call on The Right Honourable Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on Malaysia–Lesotho bilateral relations, matters of mutual interest and opportunities to further enhance cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions formed part of Malaysia’s efforts to deepen engagement with Lesotho and identify practical areas for closer cooperation.
Engagement with Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau
High Commissioner Yubazlan Yusof also paid a courtesy call on Hon. Limpho Tau, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho.
The engagement focused on bilateral relations and opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between Malaysia and Lesotho.
Areas highlighted for enhanced cooperation included Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), technical assistance, trade and tourism, as well as other areas of mutual interest.
The engagement underscored the importance of continued diplomatic dialogue in advancing practical cooperation between the two countries.
Meeting with Lesotho’s Chief of Protocol
Ahead of the presentation of his Letters of Credence, the High Commissioner-designate met with Mr Tanki Mothae, Chief of Protocol of the Kingdom of Lesotho.
The engagement focused on protocol arrangements and preparations for the presentation of credentials to King Letsie III.
The meeting formed part of the official preparations for the diplomatic ceremony and provided an opportunity to coordinate the arrangements surrounding the High Commissioner’s accreditation.
Yubazlan Yusof Engages Limkokwing University in Lesotho
Beyond government engagements, High Commissioner Yubazlan Yusof also visited Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Lesotho in Maseru, where he met with the Registrar and members of the university’s management team on 10 September 2026.
The engagement provided an opportunity to learn more about the university’s academic programmes, its contribution to Lesotho’s higher education sector and its role in equipping young people with relevant skills and knowledge.
With more than 4,000 students, the university is described by the Malaysian High Commission as an important institution within Lesotho’s higher education landscape, with a focus on creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Discussions also explored potential avenues for strengthening cooperation in education, skills development and human capital development, including opportunities to enhance linkages between institutions in Lesotho and Malaysia.
The engagement reflects the role of education and skills development as an important component of Malaysia’s broader cooperation with partner countries.
Connecting with Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme Alumni
The High Commissioner also met with members of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) alumni community in Lesotho.
The gathering provided an opportunity to reconnect with Lesotho-based MTCP alumni, hear about their experiences and contributions, and strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and Lesotho.
The MTCP serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing, capacity-building and people-to-people connections, bringing together professionals and leaders from Malaysia and partner countries.
The engagement with alumni further highlighted the long-term people-to-people dimension of Malaysia’s cooperation with Lesotho.
A Broad Diplomatic Engagement in Lesotho
The series of engagements undertaken by High Commissioner Yubazlan Yusof demonstrates the broad scope of Malaysia’s relationship with Lesotho.
From the formal presentation of credentials to King Letsie III, meetings with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, coordination with the Chief of Protocol, and engagements with the higher education sector and MTCP alumni, the visit encompassed political, diplomatic, educational and people-to-people dimensions.
The focus on TVET, education, technical assistance, trade, tourism and human capital development provides several areas through which Malaysia and Lesotho can continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The visit therefore represents an important early series of engagements by Yubazlan Yusof as Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Lesotho and reinforces the two countries’ stated commitment to maintaining and expanding their longstanding bilateral relationship.
