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He was received at the Harare International Airport by President Mugabe and senior Government officials.
These included Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, Minister of State Security Sydney Sekeramayi, Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya-Moyo and service chiefs.
PM Thabane received a 21-gun salute and inspected a guard of honour.
He arrived to a rousing welcome from hundreds of people who had gathered at the airport.
The two leaders later had a meeting at a local hotel that lasted for almost an hour.
President Mugabe then hosted a banquet in honour of PM Thabane at State House.
In his speech, President Mugabe congratulated PM Thabane on his recent election.
He said PM Thabane’s election was a testimony to the trust and confidence the people of Lesotho have in his leadership skills.
“In the same vein, we also pay tribute to the people of Lesotho for the smooth and peaceful change of government, which attests to your ever maturing democracy.
“It is a development that gives us great satisfaction as member states of the Southern African Development Community.”
President Mugabe said the people of Lesotho were happy with PM Thabane’s service in previous senior capacities in government.
PM Thabane was formerly the principal secretary for health before holding various portfolios including in the Foreign Affairs Ministry. “For yours is indeed a classic and living proof of working your way up the government ladder. Clearly, you have been a patriotic and true servant of your people,” he said.
President Mugabe said Zimbabwe hoped to tap into PM Thabane’s experience in further developing the two countries’ strong relations.
“As you will be aware, our countries share strong historical ties dating back to our own days of the liberation struggle. We remember with fond memories the assistance that Lesotho rendered to Zimbabwe during those days, particularly in the education sector.
“Your country educated a significant number of our citizens who were to occupy key positions in our Government when we attained independence in 1980.”
He noted the assistance Lesotho rendered to Zimbabwe while under pressure from former apartheid South Africa. “Against this strong background of our historical and mutual assistance, when the people of Lesotho faced political challenges in the 1990s, we found it only just and fulfilling to give our assistance in order to help reconcile them.
“It is from these strong bonds, forged and lived over the years that we want to develop a strong cooperative relationship for the good of our people.”
President Mugabe said there were numerous areas of possible cooperation between Zimbabwe and Lesotho that needed to be revived.
He said new opportunities existed in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, mining, education and the health sectors.
He said the country should reinvigorate the trade agreement between the two countries to enhance trade.
President Mugabe said while the Global Political Agreement was progressing well, it had received some knocks, but the parties resolved most of the issues and were finalising the draft constitution.
The President hailed the support of countries in the region including Lesotho and other progressive members of the international community and the “hardworking people” of Zimbabwe that have seen Government anchoring the economy on the road to recovery.
The banquet was still going on late last night.
PM Thabane is expected to tour the National Heroes Acre today before traveling to Victoria Falls.
He will officially open the Harare Agricultural Show tomorrow.
Online Reporter