Xi: China has always regarded solidarity with Africa as an important cornerstone of our foreign policy

Julius Maada Bio, President of the west African state of Sierra Leone, paid a state visit to China from February 27-March 2 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Meeting his guest on February 28, Xi Jinping noted that China and Sierra Leone enjoy a time-honoured friendship, adding that the two sides have supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, carried out efficient cooperation in the fields of economic and social development, coordinated closely on issues such as world peace and development, and worked together to fight against Ebola and the COVID-19 pandemic.

China-Sierra Leone relations are a good example of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation, Xi said, adding that China is willing to work with Sierra Leone to consolidate high-level political mutual trust, advance pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation, and strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs so as to push bilateral relations to a new level.

China is also willing to provide assistance and support to the best of its ability for Sierra Leone’s development in agriculture, infrastructure construction and human resources, and encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Sierra Leone.

Both sides should strengthen cooperation on UN Security Council affairs and jointly safeguard the interests of Africa and developing countries.

“China has always regarded solidarity and cooperation with African countries as an important cornerstone of our foreign policy,” Xi recalled.

China will work with African countries to align its initiatives to support Africa’s industrialisation, agricultural modernisation and talent development with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the development strategies of African countries; and to further integrate the development of China, Africa and the world to promote the upgrading of China-Africa cooperation and move the world towards a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress.

China is ready to work with African friends, including Sierra Leone, to make this year’s session of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) a success, Xi said.

Bio said China is a trustworthy and reliable friend, thanking China for its great support for his country’s economic and social development.

He spoke highly of the Communist Party of China leading the Chinese people to achieve leapfrog development and promoting national rejuvenation. China’s experience provides inspirations for developing countries to accelerate their development.

He said Sierra Leone is willing to learn from China’s experience, strengthen cooperation with China on the Belt and Road Initiative, and tap the potential for cooperation on infrastructure, trade, education and public services.

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of the Belt and Road Initiative, agriculture, economic development, and the implementation of the Global Development Initiative.

Both sides issued a joint statement on deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

A February 28 article by the Reuters news agency, further noted that, during the Sierra Leonean President’s meeting with Xi, China announced 50 million yuan ($6.95 million) in economic and technical assistance, a 20 million yuan debt cancellation and 1,500 tonnes of food assistance for Sierra Leone, according to a statement from Sierra Leone’s State House.

It added that Chinese firms have invested $6.4 billion in Sierra Leone since 2010, according to data from the American Enterprise Institute think tank, predominantly in metals.

In November, China granted Sierra Leone $13 million to “support the economic and social development of Sierra Leone.”

In December, Sierra Leone signed a pact with China Road and Bridge Corporation to build an 8-km (5-mile) bridge crossing the river separating the capital Freetown from the country’s main airport at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion.

In the Joint Statement on Deepening The Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership Between the People’s Republic of China and The Republic of Sierra Leone, the two sides agreed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 50 years ago [in 1971], China and Sierra Leone have deepened their traditional friendship, continuously enhanced political mutual trust, achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation and coordinated closely in international affairs. Such a relationship has greatly benefited both countries and peoples, and set a fine example of a new type of international relations.

They spoke highly of the new progress made in China-Sierra Leone relations since President Bio’s state visit to China in 2018. In particular, the two sides recalled the spirit of friendship and solidarity demonstrated in the fight against COVID-19, during which the people of China and Sierra Leone supported each other and fought the pandemic side by side.

The two sides concurred that China-Sierra Leone relations have gained further strategic significance in the face of complex challenges in the world. To further promote the development of China-Sierra Leone relations and expand cooperation in various fields, the two leaders have decided to deepen the China-Sierra Leone comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Sierra Leone highly commends that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese people have made great progress in realising the transformation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through Chinese modernisation, and believes that the Chinese path to modernisation offers options and solutions to fellow developing countries seeking independent development. Sierra Leone will also support all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.

China commended Sierra Leone for joining and actively participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) since 2018. Sierra Leone highly commended the BRI’s positive role in advancing economic development and people’s livelihood in partner countries since its inception over 10 years ago. The two sides have signed the Cooperation Plan on Jointly Promoting the BRI. Guided by the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit, the two sides will follow the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, adhere to the philosophy of open, green and clean cooperation, and make the cooperation high-standard, people-centered and sustainable.

The Chinese side will strengthen cooperation with Sierra Leone in human resource development and continue to dispatch medical teams to Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leonean side expressed gratitude for China’s long-standing support for Sierra Leone’s health sector, especially during Ebola and COVID-19.

The two sides agreed to uphold the principle of equality among all countries regardless of size, oppose hegemonism and power politics, and work to build an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation. As developing countries, China and Sierra Leone share extensive common interests and similar positions on international affairs, and will support each other in this regard. China congratulated Sierra Leone again on its election as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council 2024-2025, and expressed its readiness to strengthen cooperation with Sierra Leone and safeguard the common interests of developing countries. The two sides reiterated their support for the authority of the UN, and agreed that reform of the UN Security Council needs to support developing countries including Africa in playing a bigger role, increase their representation and voice in the Security Council and redress the historical injustices done to Africa.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang also met with President Bio on February 28 and said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than half a century ago, China and Sierra Leone have always respected each other, treated each other as equals and cooperated with each other sincerely, and are good friends, good partners and good brothers who share weal and woe.

Li pointed out that China is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Sierra Leone, carry out practical and efficient cooperation, advance the construction of key projects and livelihood projects in an orderly manner, and provide support to the economic and social development of Sierra Leone within its capacity.

China will continue to send agricultural technical experts to help Sierra Leone cultivate quality crops and train technical personnel, strengthen exchanges and the sharing of experience in agricultural policy planning with Sierra Leone, and push for deeper and more solid agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

“China stands ready to further strengthen people-to-people exchanges with Sierra Leone on youth, education, training and medical care to consolidate public support for friendly relations between the two countries,” the Chinese Premier added.

China’s top legislator Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, also met the Sierra Leonean head of state on the same day. He said that under the guidance of the leaders of the two countries, bilateral relations had been running at a high level and cooperation had yielded fruitful results.

The Chinese side attaches great importance to cooperation with the Sierra Leonean parliament and is willing to strengthen exchanges at all levels of the legislature, provide better legal guarantees for bilateral cooperation, promote exchanges among political parties and localities, as well as people-to-people exchanges, and share experience in strengthening democracy and the rule of law.

Following his talks in Beijing, President Bio visited Wuhan in central China’s Hubei Province, marking his first trip to the Chinese city that has close ties with Sierra Leone in multiple fields such as trade, education and agriculture.

During this visit, Bio went to the Institute of Food Crops of Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, where he learned about the research achievements in rice cultivation. Noting that rice is a staple food for many African countries, including Sierra Leone, he expressed hope for collaboration between Sierra Leone and Hubei in this field. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan). Expressing his gratitude, Bio said that this accolade is “not just a personal achievement, but a testimony of the enduring friendship between our two countries.”

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Xi holds talks with Sierra Leonean president

BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Wednesday.

Noting that China and Sierra Leone enjoy a time-honored friendship, Xi said the two sides have supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, carried out efficient cooperation in the fields of economic and social development, coordinated closely on issues such as world peace and development, and worked together to fight against Ebola and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Xi said China firmly supports the Sierra Leonean people in pursuing a development path suited to their national conditions. He said China stands ready to strengthen exchanges with Sierra Leone on national governance, and work with Sierra Leone to continue supporting each other’s major concerns and safeguarding their respective sovereignty, security and development interests.

Both sides should strengthen cooperation on UN Security Council affairs and jointly safeguard the interests of Africa and developing countries, Xi noted.

The Chinese president welcomed Sierra Leone to participate in the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

“China has always regarded solidarity and cooperation with African countries as an important cornerstone of our foreign policy,” Xi said.

China will work with African countries to align its initiatives to support Africa’s industrialization, agricultural modernization and talent development with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the development strategies of African countries; and to further integrate the development of China, Africa and the world to promote the upgrading of China-Africa cooperation and move the world towards a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress, Xi said.

China is ready to work with African friends, including Sierra Leone, to make this year’s session of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) a success, Xi said.

Bio said China is a trustworthy and reliable friend, thanking China for its great support for its economic and social development.

He spoke highly of the Communist Party of China leading the Chinese people to achieve leapfrog development and promoting national rejuvenation. Bio said China’s experience provides inspirations for developing countries to accelerate their development.

Bio said Sierra Leone abides by the one-China principle, supports China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supports China in safeguarding its core interests.

Both sides issued a joint statement on deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Prior to the talks, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcome ceremony for Bio and his wife Fatima Bio at the Great Hall of the People.

In the evening, Xi and Peng held a banquet for Bio and Fatima.

Joint Statement on Deepening The Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership Between the People’s Republic of China and The Republic of Sierra Leone

At the invitation of H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President and head of state of the Republic of Sierra Leone, paid a state visit to China from February 27 to March 2, 2024.

During the visit, President Xi Jinping and President Bio held talks in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. The two presidents had an in-depth exchange of views on China-Sierra Leone relations, China-Africa relations, and international and regional issues of shared interest, and reached extensive and important common understandings.

H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, and H.E. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, held separate meetings with President Bio.

The two sides agreed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 50 years ago, China and Sierra Leone have deepened their traditional friendship, continuously enhanced political mutual trust, achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation, and coordinated closely in international affairs. Such a relationship has greatly benefited both countries and peoples, and set a fine example of a new type of international relations.

The two sides spoke highly of the new progress made in China-Sierra Leone relations since President Bio’s state visit to China in 2018. In particular, the two sides recalled the spirit of friendship and solidarity demonstrated in the fight against COVID-19, during which the people of China and Sierra Leone supported each other and fought the pandemic side by side.

The two sides concurred that China-Sierra Leone relations have gained further strategic significance in the face of complex challenges in the world. To further promote the development of China-Sierra Leone relations and expand cooperation in various fields, the two leaders have decided to deepen the China-Sierra Leone comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.
The two sides reiterated their firm support for each other in independently choosing a development path that suits their national realities, and will further strengthen exchanges and mutual learning on governance. Sierra Leone highly commends that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese people have made great progress in realizing the transformation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, and believes that the Chinese path to modernization offers options and solutions to fellow developing countries seeking independent development. The Chinese side believes that Sierra Leone, under the leadership of President Bio, will make considerable progress toward the implementation of the objectives set out in the Medium-Term National Development Plan for 2024-2030, and score new achievements in national development.
The two sides underscored the need for mutual support on issues of their respective core interests, which is a core tenet of China-Sierra Leone relations. The Chinese side reaffirmed its firm support for Sierra Leone in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, security, and developing interests, and expressed firm opposition to any foreign interference in the internal affairs of Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leonean side reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle, recognizing that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Sierra Leonean side firmly opposes any form of “Taiwan independence” or external interference in the internal affairs of China, reaffirms that it will not develop any form of official exchanges with Taiwan, and will support all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. Sierra Leone firmly supports China’s position on issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Xizang.
The two sides agreed to further leverage the guiding role of head-of-state diplomacy and increase exchanges and cooperation at all levels and departments including central and local governments, legislative bodies, and political parties.
The two sides agreed to further deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China commended Sierra Leone for joining and actively participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) since 2018. Sierra Leone highly commended the BRI’s positive role in advancing economic development and people’s livelihood in partner countries since its inception over 10 years ago. The two sides have signed the Cooperation Plan on Jointly Promoting the BRI. Guided by the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit, the two sides will follow the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, adhere to the philosophy of open, green, and clean cooperation, and make the cooperation high-standard, people-centered, and sustainable. The two sides will further synergize development strategies, promote cooperation in various fields based on their respective comparative advantages and development needs, and strive for more practical outcomes.
China commends Sierra Leone’s accession to the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and has added Sierra Leone onto the list of beneficiary countries of the GDI project pool. Sierra Leone will strengthen collaboration with China to promote the implementation of the GDI, the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) at bilateral and multilateral levels.
The two sides agreed to enhance trade and investment cooperation. The Chinese side will invite Sierra Leone to continue to participate in the China International Import Expo and actively explore the possibility of providing market access to more Sierra Leonean products. The Chinese side will encourage more Chinese businesses to invest in Sierra Leone, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas of agriculture, mining, fishery, vocational education, and infrastructure building, support the industrialization of Sierra Leone, and facilitate Sierra Leone’s investment promotion activities in China. Sierra Leone will further improve the business environment and create conducive conditions for Chinese businesses operating in Sierra Leone.
The two sides applauded the cooperation results between the two countries in culture, tourism, education, youth, think tanks, media, sport, public health, and epidemic prevention and control, and agreed to further promote people-to-people exchanges, and deepen and consolidate the foundation of friendship between the two countries and peoples. The two sides will promote exchanges among academia and media. The Chinese side will strengthen cooperation with Sierra Leone in human resource development and continue to dispatch medical teams to Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leonean side expressed gratitude for China’s long-standing support for Sierra Leone’s health sector, especially during Ebola and COVID-19.
The two sides will further strengthen exchanges and cooperation on peace and security, increase high-level exchanges between the military and police forces, and strengthen cooperation in areas of personnel training, equipment and technology, prevention of terrorist attacks, joint exercises and training, and combating transnational crimes.
The two sides agreed to uphold the principle of equality among all countries regardless of size, oppose hegemonism and power politics, and work to build an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. As developing countries, China and Sierra Leone share extensive common interests and similar positions on international affairs, and will support each other in this regard. The two sides agreed to safeguard the U.N.-centered international system, the international order underpinned by international law, and basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, advance unity and cooperation of the international community, adhere to true multilateralism, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. The two sides advocate humanity’s common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom, and oppose interference in the internal affairs of other countries on the pretext of “democracy” and “human rights”. China congratulated Sierra Leone again on its election as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council 2024-2025, and expressed its readiness to strengthen cooperation with Sierra Leone and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
The two sides reiterated their support for the authority of the U.N., and agreed that reform of the U.N. Security Council needs to support developing countries including Africa in playing a bigger role, increase their representation and voice in the Security Council and redress the historical injustices done to Africa. The Chinese side spoke highly of Sierra Leone’s important role as chair of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the UNSC reforms (C-10) and expressed its readiness to enhance coordination and cooperation with Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leonean side reiterated the African Common Position as enunciated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration as the only viable option to address the historical injustices done to Africa.
The two sides spoke highly of the important role of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in advancing the China-Africa comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership, and agreed to step up consultations and coordination on FOCAC affairs and jointly deliver on practical cooperation in all areas under the framework of the Dakar Action Plan (2022-2024). To this end, they looked forward to a new session of FOCAC to add strong impetus to the sustainable development of China-Africa relations.
The two sides recognized that during President Bio’s visit to China, China and Sierra Leone reached important and extensive common understandings, signed a series of cooperation agreements, and achieved great success. After more than 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, this visit unveiled a new era for the consolidation of bilateral relations and diversification of practical cooperation, which is of great significance to the deepening of the China-Sierra Leone comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
President Bio expressed his sincere appreciation to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

Chinese premier meets Sierra Leonean president

BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday met with visiting President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio in Beijing, calling for enhanced cooperation between the two countries.

Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than 50 years ago, China and Sierra Leone have always respected each other, treated each other as equals and cooperated with each other sincerely, and are good friends, good partners and good brothers who share weal and woe.

He said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, China and Sierra Leone have continuously enhanced political mutual trust, achieved fruitful results in various fields of cooperation, maintained close coordination on international affairs, and set a new example of South-South cooperation.

China stands ready to work with Sierra Leone to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, firmly support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, and continue to achieve more win-win outcomes and improve the well-being of the two peoples, the Chinese premier said.

Li added that China is willing to import more quality products from Sierra Leone, encourages Chinese enterprises to expand investment in the country, and hopes that Sierra Leone will continue to provide a good business environment for Chinese enterprises.

Bio said Sierra Leone regards China as a trustworthy development partner, and the two countries enjoy a deep traditional friendship and close mutually beneficial cooperation.

He said Sierra Leone abides by the one-China principle and stands ready to provide firm mutual support on safeguarding core interests, deepen cooperation on infrastructure construction, agriculture, economy and trade, education, health and poverty reduction under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and push the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new level.

Sierra Leone is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China on international and regional affairs, and jointly promote world peace and development, he added.

China’s top legislator meets Sierra Leonean president

BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) — China’s top legislator Zhao Leji met with President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio in Beijing on Wednesday.

Zhao, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that under the guidance of the leaders of the two countries, bilateral relations had been running at a high level and cooperation had yielded fruitful results.

Zhao said China was willing to work with Sierra Leone to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, maintain close coordination in international affairs and push China-Sierra Leone comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new level.

The Chinese side attaches great importance to cooperation with the Sierra Leonean parliament and is willing to strengthen exchanges at all levels of the legislature, provide better legal guarantee for bilateral cooperation, promote exchanges among political parties and localities as well as people-to-people exchanges, and share experience in strengthening democracy and the rule of law, Zhao said.

Noting that China is a reliable partner and great friend of Sierra Leone, Bio said Sierra Leone attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is willing to strengthen governance exchanges and practical cooperation with China to benefit the two peoples.

Sierra Leonean president visits China’s Wuhan

WUHAN, March 3 (Xinhua) — President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio on Saturday visited Wuhan in central China’s Hubei Province, marking his first trip to the Chinese city that has close ties with Sierra Leone in multiple fields such as trade, education and agriculture.

Bio, who was on a state visit to China from Feb. 27 to March 2, was awarded an honorary doctorate degree on Saturday by the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan). Expressing his gratitude, Bio said that this accolade is “not just a personal achievement, but a testimony of the enduring friendship between our two countries.”

Speaking at the university, Bio said his visit to China is aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and economic and trade partnership between the two countries, as well as promoting deeper exchanges between universities in both countries.

He also noted that since Sierra Leone joined the Belt and Road Initiative in 2018, the country has “benefited immensely from projects under this initiative.”

Hubei and Sierra Leone share a longstanding friendship. Over the years, the province has sent agricultural technicians to Sierra Leone to share expertise in cultivation and breeding techniques. Moreover, the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) has provided training to over 20 high-level professionals from Sierra Leone in disciplines such as geological resources and engineering, environmental science and engineering, among others.

Long-lasting China-Sierra Leone friendship sees renewed vigor

FREETOWN, Feb. 29 (Xinhua) — China and Sierra Leone are far apart. Yet in Freetown, the capital and largest city of this western African country, there are many landmarks that are associated with China, standing as testaments to the long-lasting friendship of the two countries.

Julius Maada Bio, president of the Republic of Sierra Leone, is on a state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Bio, during his meeting with the Chinese leader on Wednesday in Beijing, hailed China as a trustworthy and reliable friend, and thanked Beijing’s support for his nation’s economic and social development.

A TRUE FRIENDSHIP

One may wonder why many local residents in Freetown can easily pronounce “youyi,” the Chinese word for friendship.

China and Sierra Leone established their diplomatic ties in 1971. And in the 1970s, China helped the country build the Youyi Building in the center of Freetown. It now still serves as Sierra Leone’s government office building.

“Our generation witnessed the beginning of Sierra Leone-China cooperation. Without China’s help, Freetown won’t look as it does today,” Francis Odwyer, a 53-year-old motorcycle driver, told Xinhua.

Apart from the Youyi Building, there are many other China-aided projects that now stand out as hallmarks of 53 years of bilateral cooperation.

The renovation of the Sierra Leone National Stadium, funded by the Chinese side, started in 2022 and it is expected to be handed over in this November.

In southeastern Freetown, the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Road connects the villages of Regent and Kossoh, serving as an artery for people living near the capital city.

Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Wang Qing said the two countries are time-bonded friends. Since establishing diplomatic relations, the two countries have supported each other and cooperated sincerely, serving as a model for China-Africa cooperation.

In recent years, with the guidance of the leaders of both countries, political mutual trust has been raised, practical cooperation has been strengthened, and international collaboration has become closer. This has injected new energy into the long-standing friendship between the two nations, said Wang.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Chernor Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, said the friendship between Sierra Leone and China is indestructible. Cooperation between the two countries has changed the lives of the Sierra Leonean people and the face of the country. “We are deeply grateful for it, which is the true friendship,” Bah said.

HELPING HAND

When the Ebola epidemic broke out in May 2014, the coastal nation was cloaked in great fear. China was among the first to provide medical assistance and send groups of public health experts.

Huang Yan is director of the Department of Infectious Diseases of Xiangya Hospital, one of China’s top medical institutions. She headed the fifth batch of Chinese medical workers to fight Ebola in May 2015.

It was her first trip to Africa. “The hospital told me they needed experienced epidemic experts there, and I decided to go without a second thought. That’s my commitment,” she recalled.

When she and her teammates arrived at the Sino-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital in Freetown, the biggest local hospital, the situation was dire: rising confirmed cases and scarce medical resources.

“There were no local doctors but a few temporary nurses at the hospital,” Huang said. The Chinese medical team was just there when the locals urgently needed its help.

The Chinese medics took turns on 24-hour duty. Despite the heat, they wore protective suits, N95 masks, many layers of gloves and waterproof boots. “Every time we walked out of the quarantine area, we could squeeze sweat out of our suits,” Huang recalled.

Besides sending groups of medical professionals, China also set up an advanced mobile biosafety laboratory, an in-patient medical center, a treatment center and a fixed biosafety level-3 laboratory. The two countries fought hand in hand through difficulties to finally declare Sierra Leone Ebola-free.

When COVID-19 broke out in the country in 2020, China was also the first to rush to help by providing medical supplies, sharing experience and sending expert teams. Chinese medical teams also organized training sessions to help local professionals better treat their patients.

Describing China as a friend in need, Bah said China had always been among the countries that provided the fastest medical assistance when Sierra Leone was confronted with emergencies.

“We are very proud of that friendship, and we are proud of the ways we continue to go,” he added.

China dispatched its first medical team to Sierra Leone in 1973 and has since sent 24 teams, contributing to improving the health sector in the country.

“I expressed our deep gratitude to the Chinese medical team for their commitment to improving the country’s healthcare service delivery,” President Bio posted on social media X in December 2023.

FLOURISHING EXCHANGES

Amidst the burgeoning cultural exchanges between China and Sierra Leone, the African country is also witnessing growing interest in Chinese culture. From language learning to martial arts, the allure of Chinese traditional culture is captivating Sierra Leonean youth.

Early in the morning, the courtyard of the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone teems with energy as hundreds of young people fervently engage in martial arts practice under the expert guidance of Chinese instructors.

Chen Xuebin, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the university, observed the keen interest among Sierra Leoneans in sports and Chinese martial arts films.

“Martial arts courses are offered in many primary and secondary schools now, and every Saturday sees many children coming to the Confucius Institute to practice Tai Chi,” Chen said.

For Lamin Kargbo, a young Sierra Leonean, the journey into Chinese martial arts began at the Confucius Institute in 2017, leading him on two trips to China to further his studies. Today, he is a respected martial arts instructor within his local community.

“I love Chinese martial arts and culture. I want to bring Chinese culture back to Sierra Leone and share it with my brothers and sisters,” said Kargbo.

Like Kargbo, numerous Sierra Leonean youths have expanded their horizons and seized newfound opportunities for personal growth through exploring the Chinese language.

Chen said there is a growing demand for Sierra Leonean graduates proficient in Chinese as economic ties between the two nations shift closer.

The Confucius Institute has established 22 branches across the country to meet the growing demand for Chinese language education within local communities, Chen said.

After Wednesday’s talks between Xi and Bio, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents on the Belt and Road Initiative, agriculture, economic development and implementing the Global Development Initiative.

Bio said China’s experience inspires developing countries to bolster their development.

He said Sierra Leone is willing to learn from China’s experience, strengthen Belt and Road cooperation with China, and tap the potential for cooperation on infrastructure, trade, education and public services.

“We want our country to develop, accelerate industrialization and transform infrastructure, and have the scientific and technological power to achieve these goals,” said Bah, the Sierra Leonean minister.

He also pointed out that as a member of the Global South, China’s contribution to promoting African and global development is evident.

“We consider China to be an important partner to help us realize our dreams,” Bah said. “We want to see our continued and enhanced relationship with China.”