China and Sierra Leone have via videoconference celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Sierra Leone.
The commemoration started with the exchange of congratulatory messages from the Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Sierra Leonean counterpart Julius Maada Bio on celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bi-lateral relations between the two nations.
Delivering his remarks and proposing a toast, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Hu Zhanliang reiterated that President Xi Jinping and President Bio have exchanged messages of congratulation and best wishes in celebration of this important day. He said that despite the changes in the international landscape, the two countries have always seek each other’s interest and major concern which have yielded fruitful results in the face of stunt challenges posed by COVID-19.
He said President Xi placed greater importance on China’s relations with Sierra Leone and looked forward to working with President Bio in cementing the friendship and mutual trust in promoting further growth of China-Sierra Leone comprehensive and strategic corporate partnership for the benefits of the two countries. He stated that 50 years ago our forefathers made the historic decision to establish diplomatic ties between China and Sierra Leone, noting that over the years the relationship have grown rapidly which led to the establishment of historic infrastructures in Sierra Leone, the National Stadium, the Youyi Building, Bo Stadium, Jui Hospital to name a few.
Delivering his goodwill message on behalf of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor David Francis conveyed best wishes to China on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone on 50th anniversary of the formal diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone. He stated that Sierra Leone and China have enjoyed excellent bi-lateral relations over the past 50 years particularly at the bi-lateral and multi-lateral levels and also enjoyed remarkable collaborations in many spheres culminated in high level visits by both countries on many occasions.
In her message, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt recalled that on July 29 1971, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Sierra Leone established diplomatic relations, thus this year marks the 50th anniversary of this relationship. She maintained that China and Sierra Leone have always been friendly, treating each other as equals, supporting each other and conducting mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields including Tourism and Cultural Affairs.
She congratulated the Communist Party of China (CPC) on the celebration of their 100 anniversary, while thanking the two countries for the wonderful diplomatic relations and applauding China for the many supports to Sierra Leone and looked forward to more exchanges between the two countries.
The Chinese Tourism Minister, Hu Helping in a similar vein, congratulated the two countries for reaching this milestone in terms of diplomatic relations and looked forward to a more cordial bi-lateral and cultural relationship between the two countries.
There were goodwill messages from Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, government ministers, heads of parastatals, Sierra Leone’s foreign missions, and political parties. Cultural performances of the two countries climaxed the occasion.
Alieu Kondoh
Information Officer
MTCA
+23276688755
Email:alieukondoh23@gmail.com
