By: Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Wang Qing, has reassured the people of Sierra Leone of a more bilateral-relations between both countries.Ambassador Wang Qing last Thursday 16 May 2024 made the reaffirmation whiles addressing a China-Sierra Leone Relations Symposium at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown as a keynote speaker.
According to Ambassador Wang Qing, since the establishment of diplomatic relations 53 years ago, China-Sierra Leone relations had been constantly enhanced on the basis of sincere friendship, equality, mutual trust, mutual support and mutual benefit. He added that they’re very happy to see that their bilateral relations had been highly robust with solid political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation in various fields.
He continued that it was their great pleasure to meet them all at the Embassy. It was a good opportunity to refresh our friendship and exchange views on issues of common interest. First of all, I would like to thank all of you for your continued efforts in promoting China-Sierra Leone friendship and thank you for supporting today’s event.
He admitted that during the state visit by President Julius Maada Bio in February to China, their two leaders spoke highly of that relationship. President Xi Jinping said that China-Sierra Leone relations are a good example of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation. President Bio said China is a trustworthy and reliable friend. And the two sides agreed that such a relationship has greatly benefited both countries and peoples, and set a fine example of a new type of international relations.
“During the state visit by HE President Julius Maada Bio in February, our two leaders spoke highly of this relationship. President Xi Jinping said that China-Sierra Leone relations are a good example of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation. President Bio said China is a trustworthy and reliable friend. And the two sides agreed that such a relationship has greatly benefited both countries and peoples, and set a fine example of a new type of international relations,” he stated.
Ambassador Wang noted that, that visit to China had written an important chapter in the history of China-Sierra Leone friendship and unveiled a new era for the consolidation of bilateral relations and diversification of practical cooperation. Adding that, the most important task for them was to seize the opportunity and take advantage of the good momentum, push their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new level.
In his speech, Mr. Wang shared some of his views in the following four aspects.
Firstly, how to increase the strategic significance of their bilateral relations and make greater contributions for a more just and equitable international order.
Secondly, he said, how to uphold the original aspiration of establishing the diplomatic ties and provide unwavering support to each other on issues of core interests.
Thirdly, he noted, how to synergize their development strategies, upgrade and diversify their practical cooperation. Through joint efforts during the last 5 decades since we established diplomatic ties, our practical cooperation is very fruitful and significantly benefit our two people. The National Stadium, Youyi Building, China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital, Wilberforce Barracks and Foreign Service Academy had become landmark projects of China-Sierra Leone friendship. Adding that, China is the biggest trade partner of Sierra Leone and the main source of foreign investment. Based on all of those achievements, they need to further promote their practical cooperation.
Lastly, he said, how to deepen their traditional friendship and consolidate the foundation of bilateral relations. Shared past experiences and similar aspirations had brought them close together.
Mr Wang ended by say the Embassy’s door is always open for their friends. Let’s work together to promote more trust and understanding between their countries, work together to promote more friendship and mutual helps between their people.
