On 23rd February 2023, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone held a media reception for journalists from various media houses, which kicked off Face to Face with China program. Chinese Ambassador Wang Qing and Sierra Leone Minister of Information and Communication Mohamed Rahman Swaray attended the event and delivered speeches.
Ambassador Wang stressed that Face to face with China platform is set to meet regularly with media friends, and to share authoritative information about China and China-Sierra Leone Cooperation. He shared “golden keys” on how to understand China better, including understanding the Communist Party of China, Chinese Modernization, China’s national condition with a comprehensive and objective view and how China sees the world. He said China and Sierra Leone have always been time-bonded friends and good brothers since the establishment of diplomatic relations 52 years ago. The two countries treat each other as equals, cooperate for mutual benefit and common development, and have also achieved numerous tangible results. China is confident that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries will continue to make new progress in the new era. Ambassador Wang hoped that the local media friends, as a bridge, could continue to present true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China to Sierra Leonean people.
Minister Swaray spoke highly of the relations between Sierra Leone and China, saying that under the strategic leadership of the two Heads of State, China and Sierra Leone have achieved fruitful practical cooperation in recent years. Sierra Leone has sincerely appreciated China for its selfless help and support in fighting COVID-19, infrastructure and capacity building. Sierra Leone firmly adhered to the “One China” principle. He hoped that the two countries could further strengthen cultural exchanges, cultivate traditional ties and enhance coordination and cooperation in international affairs. He believed that Face to Face with China will further help Sierra Leonean people understand China’s history, culture as well as its internal and external policies, and contribute to the development of the bilateral relations continuously.
The event was climax by questions and answer section where journalists asked pertinent questions relating to recent development concerning China. The journalists highly appreciated this event, thanked the Embassy for the regular exchanges with them and expressed their willingness to contribute more to the mutual understanding between the two countries.
