On October 11, the Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association (SISLAA) successfully hosted a series of events themed “Celebrate Chinese National Day, Renew China-Salone Traditional Friendship”. Minister Counsellor Zhang Dianbin of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone attended and delivered remarks. The celebration consisted of two parts—a football match and a cocktail reception—held respectively at the Sierra Leone National Stadium and the “China House”. About 120 participants attended, including Sierra Leoneans who had studied in China, members of other friendship organizations, and representatives of the local Chinese community.
In his speeches, Minister Counsellor Zhang reviewed the remarkable achievements in China’s economic and social development over the past 76 years since the founding of the People’s Republic and during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. He also shared the latest progress in China-Sierra Leone relations, inviting friends to visit China again to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of China’s governance and development. Minister Counsellor Zhang commended the Alumni Association for its contribution to enhancing mutual understanding and promoting friendly cooperation between China and Sierra Leone. He encouraged the Association and other friendship groups to make full use of the upcoming “2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges”, to act as goodwill ambassadors for China-Sierra Leone friendship, and to continue contributing to the growth of bilateral relations and people-to-people exchanges.
Minister Counsellor Zhang kicked off the football match. Players demonstrated great teamwork and enthusiasm on the field, moving actively and coordinating seamlessly to score a series of goals, bringing the game to several exciting climaxes. Cheers and shouts of encouragement from the audience echoed continuously throughout the stadium. Upholding the spirit of “friendship first, competition second,” both teams not only displayed excellent skills but also conveyed a strong sense of respect, inclusiveness, and sportsmanship.
At the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Cocktail Reception, Minister Counsellor Zhang joined members of friendship organizations in cutting a celebratory cake. The atmosphere was warm and festive. Alumni representatives shared touching stories about their experiences in China and performed Chinese songs and musical instruments. Guests highly praised the fruitful outcomes of China-Sierra Leone people-to-people exchanges and expressed their willingness to continue contributing to the deepening of friendship between the two nations.
