Freetown, January 19, 2026 (SLENA)- In a display of diplomatic commitment, His Excellency Ambassador Zhao Yong, the newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, convened senior government officials at the Chinese Embassy to formally inaugurate his tenure. The reception marked not just a new ambassadorial chapter, but a strategic renewal of the ironclad partnership between the two nations, setting an ambitious agenda for a “Year of Action.”
For Ambassador Zhao, the moment was deeply personal. “To me, Sierra Leone is a country that feels both familiar and somewhat unfamiliar,” he shared, reflecting on a connection that began two decades ago with three diplomatic visits. Now returning for his fourth journey his first as Ambassador, he stands as a living bridge between the nations, witnessing firsthand a nation transformed.
The Ambassador paid tribute to Sierra Leone’s extraordinary journey. From a nation emerging from civil war twenty years ago to the dynamic prosperity visible on the streets of Freetown today, he credited the visionary “Big Five Game Changers” agenda of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio. He further hailed Sierra Leone’s elevated global voice, recognizing its significant contributions to peace and African unity during its tenure on the UN Security Council and its chairmanship of ECOWAS.
Ambassador Zhao highlighted an unprecedented tempo in high-level engagement, noting that 2024 alone saw President Bio become the first Sierra Leonean head of state to visit China twice, including for the pivotal FOCAC Beijing Summit. This was swiftly followed by a reciprocal visit from Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, cementing a shared strategic vision.
The fruits of this synergy, he outlined, are both monumental and deeply human. From the iconic Juba Bridge and Regent Road to the National Optical Fiber Backbone Network, cooperation builds Sierra Leone’s foundations. Meanwhile, Sierra Leonean wild aquatic products now reach Chinese tables, health sector collaboration saves lives, and people-to-people bonds thrive evidenced by a record-breaking 6,500 visas issued last year.
Beyond the visible progress, Ambassador Zhao identified three eternal constants in the relationship. First, a bond forged in adversity, proven when China led the fight against Ebola in 2014 and Sierra Leone’s Parliament stood in solidarity with China during COVID-19. Second, an enduring tradition of political support, dating back to Sierra Leone’s crucial role in restoring China’s UN rights in 1971, and continuing with mutual backing on core interests. Third, an unchanging philosophy of mutual respect, shared benefit, and common development, now flourishing under the Belt and Road Initiative and China’s Global Initiatives.
The Ambassador framed 2024 as a unique convergence of achievements, 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Aligning perfectly with President Bio’s declared “Year of Action,” Ambassador Zhao pledged to work tirelessly with all sectors of Sierra Leonean society to translate leadership consensus and FOCAC outcomes into accelerated, tangible benefits for both peoples.
Echoing this forward-looking zeal, Mr. Alan C.E. Logan, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, delivered a warm response on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone. He celebrated Ambassador Zhao’s symbolic return from a young diplomat to the embodiment of a strengthened friendship and praised his immediate dive into planning transformative new projects.
“The bilateral agenda between Sierra Leone and China has never been more robust than it is today,” declared Mr. Logan, pointing to the deep roots and vibrant growth of cooperation across infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture. He assured the Ambassador of the Ministry’s full support for a productive tenure, confident that their collaboration would reach unprecedented heights.
The event called for a unifying call to action, reaffirming a shared commitment to build a future of prosperity anchored in friendship.
Correspondent/News Editor-
CREDIT: Amara Kargbo
