Celebrations marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Sierra Leone reached another memorable milestone as the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone organized a vibrant China-Sierra Leone Friendship Run under the theme: “Youth Relay, Walking Together.”
The symbolic event brought together Chinese and Sierra Leonean youths in a remarkable demonstration of unity, friendship and shared aspirations for the future. As part of the 55th anniversary celebrations, 55 young representatives from both countries participated in the Friendship Run along the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Road, with each participant representing one year of the enduring diplomatic relationship that has continued to flourish since its establishment.
The event served as more than just a sporting activity. It was a powerful expression of the strong people-to-people ties that have become one of the defining features of the relationship between China and Sierra Leone over the past five and a half decades. Participants walked and ran side by side, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to peace, cooperation, development and mutual understanding.
Addressing participants, Wang Bin, Representative of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone, welcomed guests and expressed appreciation to the representatives of the Chinese Embassy, member companies and the many Chinese and Sierra Leonean friends who gathered to commemorate the historic occasion.
“On behalf of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to today’s China-Sierra Leone Friendship Run, celebrating the 55th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone,” Wang Bin stated.
He extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the event a success, emphasizing that the friendship between the two nations has remained steadfast through decades of mutual respect, mutual trust and win-win cooperation.
“For the past 55 years, China and Sierra Leone have enjoyed a friendship built on mutual respect, mutual trust and win-win cooperation,” he said. “Our two countries have achieved fruitful cooperation across many fields, while the friendship between our peoples has continued to grow stronger.”
Wang Bin noted that Chinese enterprises operating in Sierra Leone remain proud contributors to the country’s economic and social development. He said companies represented by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce continue to support national development through infrastructure projects, investment, employment opportunities and community engagement, while simultaneously serving as bridges of friendship between the peoples of both countries.
Describing the significance of the day’s event, he stressed that the Friendship Run represented far more than physical exercise.
“Today’s Friendship Run is more than a sporting event,” he remarked. “It symbolizes our shared commitment to friendship, unity and cooperation. Seeing Chinese and Sierra Leonean friends running side by side reflects the enduring friendship between our two countries and our shared aspiration for an even brighter future.”
Looking ahead, Wang Bin expressed optimism that the next chapter of China-Sierra Leone relations would witness even greater collaboration.
“On this special occasion, let us celebrate 55 years of China-Sierra Leone diplomatic relations and look forward to even closer cooperation in the years ahead. May the friendship between our two peoples continue to flourish and bring greater prosperity and well-being to both nations,” he concluded.
Also speaking during the ceremony was Alfred Kamara, Local Manager of China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG), who delivered remarks on behalf of the Sierra Leonean participants.
Alfred Kamara praised the Chinese Chamber of Commerce for organizing what he described as a meaningful celebration of an enduring bilateral partnership.
“It is a great honor to speak on behalf of the Sierra Leonean participants at today’s China-Sierra Leone Friendship Run,” he said. “First of all, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone for organizing this meaningful event and to all our Chinese friends for your continued friendship and cooperation.”
He noted that the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations provides an opportunity to reflect on decades of successful cooperation that have positively impacted both nations.
“Over the past decades, our two countries have built a strong friendship based on mutual respect, trust and cooperation,” Alfred Kamara stated. “Through collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, mining, agriculture and trade, our two peoples have become increasingly connected.”
Alfred Kamara highlighted his own professional experience working with Chinese colleagues, describing it as a valuable journey of learning, mutual respect and teamwork.
“As someone who has had the opportunity to work alongside Chinese colleagues, I have personally experienced the value of this friendship,” he said. “We work together, learn from each other and overcome challenges as one team. Through this experience, I have gained not only professional skills, but also a deeper understanding of teamwork, dedication and mutual respect.”
He described the Friendship Run as a fitting representation of the people-centered nature of China-Sierra Leone relations.
“The Friendship Run is a beautiful symbol of our relationship,” Alfred Kamara observed. “Running side by side shows that our friendship is built not only through cooperation between Governments and companies, but also through the bonds between our people.”
Speaking on behalf of all Sierra Leonean participants, he expressed gratitude to the Chinese community for its continued partnership and wished for an even stronger future relationship.
“On behalf of all Sierra Leonean participants, I would like to thank our Chinese friends for your partnership and friendship. May the friendship between Sierra Leone and China continue to grow stronger and may our cooperation bring greater prosperity and opportunities for both nations.”
The Friendship Run concluded in an atmosphere of celebration, with participants exchanging greetings, taking commemorative photographs and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two countries. The event successfully demonstrated that the foundation of China-Sierra Leone relations extends beyond Government-to-Government cooperation to include vibrant people-to-people exchanges, particularly among the younger generation.
As both nations celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations, the Friendship Run stands as a lasting reminder that enduring partnerships are built not only through agreements and development projects, but also through shared experiences, mutual respect, cultural understanding and the collective determination of young people to carry the torch of friendship into the future under the inspiring theme, “Youth Relay, Walking Together.”
The event celebrated the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone while showcasing the vitality and friendship of the younger generation as part of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
