On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the New Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Amb. Zhao Yong, paid a courtesy visit to the Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas, with a view to strengthening bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and China.
Amb. Zhao expressed appreciation for the warm reception and admiration for Sierra Leone’s development strides, and highlighted the country’s tremendous improvements.
Amb. Zhao emphasized his focus on the Sierra Leone-China Strategic People Cooperative Partnership, seeking to build on the existing friendship and cooperation between the two nations. He noted that his visit to Sierra Leone, after 16 years, was a testament to the importance China places on the relationship.
Speaker Thomas welcomed Amb. Zhao, and also spoke about the longstanding relationship between Sierra Leone and China, spanning over 50 years. He recalled Sierra Leone’s support for China’s nomination at the United Nations Security Council, demonstrating the country’s commitment to China.
The Rt. Hon. Speaker reaffirmed that the Sixth Parliament is the People’s Parliament, just as China has the National People’s Congress of China. He assured Amb. Zhao that he would enjoy the same excellent relationship with the Parliament as his predecessor.
Amb. Zhao Yong expressed his desire to work closely with the Parliament to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, investment, health, education, and technology. He assured that China would continue to serve as a catalyst for Sierra Leone’s development, noting that China understands Sierra Leone’s development strides more than any other Western country.
The meeting concluded with a gift exchange and photo opportunity, symbolizing the strengthened ties between the two nations. Speaker Thomas invited Amb. Zhao to return to Parliament on the next adjourned date to engage with Members of Parliament.
This visit marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone-China relations, with both countries committed to deepening cooperation and mutual understanding. The strategic partnership is expected to yield benefits for both nations, promoting economic growth, development, and regional stability.
