LNOC President Matlohang Moiloa-Ramoqopo signed the deal with SASCOC counterpart Gideon Sam in December, with an aim of promoting mutually beneficial initiatives.

It is hoped athletes, coaches, administrators and technical officials in the two countries will be boosted.

One area of co-operation already in action sees the South African rowing team hold training camps at high altitude in Motebong in Lesotho.

At an elevation of 2,100 metres, the venue can prove gruelling and SASCOC has attributed some of its recent success to the camps.

Lesotho, a tiny country which is completed surrounded by South Africa, were represented at the talks in Johannesburg by vice president Tlali Rampoana and secretary general Morake Raleaka, as well as finance manager Mapeete Ntjana and head of programmes Mark West.

Chief executive Tubby Reddy appeared on behalf of SASCOC, alongside executive manager Jean Kelly.

"LNOC are very excited about the openness of SASCOC to this agreement and envisage a bright future for Lesotho sport through this co-operation," said a LNOC statement.

Lesotho has yet to win its first Olympic medal of any colour.