By Henry Kargbo
President of Sierra Leone Association of Journalist (SLAJ) Ahmed Sahid Nasralla has commend the Communist Party of China (CPC) party for leading China to achieve great success over the past decades and for outlining a new blueprint for national transformation to create new historic accomplishments.
SLAJ President made the commendation at the Chinese Embassy Information Salon marking the 20th National Congress of the CPC held on Wednesday 26th October 2022, at the Atlantic Lumley Hotel in the West of Freetown.
Nasralla congratulated President Xi Jinping on his election as General Secretary of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China at the Committee’s first plenary session, and for also being named Chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission.
He said the leadership of CPC party is charged with the huge responsibility to lead China to a better and very ambitious future. He added that the election of Xi Jinping as General Secretary is a demonstration of confidence by the CPC party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups that his leadership will continue to deliver on the collective aspirations of China.
He highlighted that Xi Jinping describes as the 20th National Congress as a meeting of great importance as it takes place at a critical time as the country “embarks on a new journey to build China into a modern socialist.
Nasralla says the report at the congress titled: “Hold the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Strive in Unity to Build a Modern Socialist Country in All Respects”.
He said the report highlights 15 building blocks that will consolidate the strong foundation upon which China will continue to grow as a great nation, and from which, other ambitious nations could borrow a leaf.
He stated that Sierra Leone in particular, China-Sierra Leone cooperation last year celebrated 50 years of friendship, this relationship has grown from strength to strength and it has been one of mutual understanding, respect and benefit to the two nations.
“China’s bilateral support to Sierra Leone can be seen in the many infrastructural landmarks across the country; from roads to public office buildings, health, agriculture and mining sectors; during Ebola and now COVID-19”, he observed.
He said the media have also benefited, as many journalists have benefited and continue to benefit from study scholarships to China, short term courses and visitations.
“SLAJ, its affiliate bodies have also received logistical support from the Chinese Embassy in the form of office and media equipment”.
He thanked the Chinese Embassy for initiating this Information Salon platform, which is now serving as a meeting point between the embassy and the media and CSOs to share information, promote cooperation and strengthening ties.
Deputy Ambassador of Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone Li Xiaoyong Stated that 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has successfully concluded last week and a new central leadership body had been elected.
He said the event is an important congress held at a critical moment when China, the world’s most populous and largest developing country, is embarking on a new journey to build a comprehensive socialist modern country.
“In the past decade, China has experienced three major events: first, the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, second, socialism with Chinese characteristics entering a new era, and third, the completion of the historical task of eradicating poverty, and achieving its first centenary goal”.
Li Xiaoyong stated that 100 million rural poor people have been lifted out of poverty, adding that China’s economy now accounts for 18.5% of the world economy, ranking second in the world.
“China will adhere to the leadership of the CPC, promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese modernization in a comprehensive manner, build a strong socialist modern country and achieve the second centenary goal”.
He said China Sierra Leone cooperation in all areas such as education, human resources development, mining, agriculture, infrastructure construction, fight against COVID-19 pandemic, health and sanitation, peace and security have yielded laudable results.
