Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China, commemorated the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with a colourful ceremony and cultural gala held on Thursday, 9 July 2026 at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Freetown. The celebration also marked the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, reaffirming the long-standing friendship and expanding cooperation between the two nations.
The event brought together senior Government officials, diplomats, Members of Parliament, development partners, traditional and cultural groups, and members of the Chinese and Sierra Leonean communities to celebrate more than five decades of diplomatic cooperation, economic partnership and cultural exchange.
Speaking at the event, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Zhao Yong, described the anniversary as a significant milestone that reflects the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between both countries. He said that although China and Sierra Leone are geographically far apart, the two nations have remained close friends for 55 years through mutual respect, equality, trust and unwavering support.
Ambassador Zhao also welcomed the establishment of the Sierra Leone-China Parliamentary Friendship Group, describing it as another important platform for strengthening legislative cooperation and enhancing people-to-people relations. He congratulated members of the parliamentary delegation on the official launch of the friendship group and expressed confidence that it would further deepen bilateral engagement.
The Chinese envoy commended Sierra Leone for consistently upholding the One China Principle and praised the country’s growing role in regional and international affairs, particularly as Chair of ECOWAS and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. He said both countries have continued to work closely in promoting peace, stability, multilateral cooperation and sustainable development.
Highlighting economic cooperation, Ambassador Zhao noted that China has remained Sierra Leone’s largest trading partner for fifteen consecutive years and one of its leading sources of foreign investment. He said bilateral cooperation has resulted in landmark development projects, including the National Stadium, the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital and significant investments in agriculture, fisheries and other productive sectors that continue to improve livelihoods across the country.
He further disclosed that China’s preferential trade policies have opened greater opportunities for Sierra Leonean products to access the Chinese market, expressing optimism that trade volumes between the two countries will continue to increase.
Reflecting on China’s longstanding support during national emergencies, Ambassador Zhao recalled the country’s medical assistance during the Ebola epidemic and its early donation of COVID-19 vaccines. He also noted that Chinese medical teams have served continuously in Sierra Leone for more than five decades, providing healthcare services to over one million Sierra Leoneans.
On education and cultural cooperation, Ambassador Zhao revealed that more than 1,300 Sierra Leoneans have benefited from Chinese Government scholarships, while over 6,000 professionals have participated in various training and exchange programmes in China. He also praised the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone for training more than 14,000 Sierra Leoneans in the Chinese language and promoting cultural understanding between both countries.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Madam Francess P. Alghali, described the anniversary as an important milestone that reflects decades of enduring friendship, mutual trust and expanding cooperation between Sierra Leone and China.
She said the celebration coincided with the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), an initiative designed to strengthen educational, cultural, youth and social exchanges while broadening bilateral cooperation beyond traditional development assistance.
Madam Alghali highlighted China’s contributions to Sierra Leone’s development in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education and trade. She cited the construction of the National Stadium, the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital, the donation of airport shuttle buses, the deployment of Chinese medical teams and the establishment of the Confucius Institute as clear demonstrations of China’s continued commitment to Sierra Leone’s national development.
She also acknowledged China’s diplomatic support for Sierra Leone, including its backing for the country’s successful election to the United Nations Security Council. According to her, President Julius Maada Bio’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Action” presents an opportunity for both countries to further strengthen cooperation in support of Sierra Leone’s national development priorities.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Farida Tunis, emphasized the growing importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations. She observed that people-to-people exchanges have become one of the strongest pillars of the partnership, fostering deeper friendship and greater understanding between the citizens of both nations.
She noted the strong alignment between China’s designation of 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and Sierra Leone’s Year of Culture and Creativity 2026, describing the convergence as a unique opportunity to expand collaboration in culture, tourism, education and the creative industries.
Madam Tunis reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to the One China Principle and praised China’s consistent support for the country’s development agenda through infrastructure investment, healthcare assistance, educational scholarships and human capital development. She also commended the long-standing contribution of Chinese medical teams and the Confucius Institute in strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two countries.
The ceremony featured colourful cultural performances by Chinese and Sierra Leonean artists, showcasing the rich traditions and cultural heritage of both nations while highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy in promoting friendship and mutual understanding.
The celebrations concluded with renewed commitments from both Governments to build on the achievements of the past 55 years by expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, healthcare, tourism, culture and human capital development, while further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Sierra Leone for the benefit of both peoples.
