The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has officially received 15 protocol vehicles donated by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to support Sierra Leone’s preparations for the forthcoming ECOWAS Summit.
The handover ceremony, held on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Freetown, highlighted the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between Sierra Leone and China. The donation comes as Sierra Leone intensifies preparations to host Heads of State, senior Government officials and delegates attending the upcoming Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit.
Speaking during the ceremony, officials described the donation as timely and significant, noting that the vehicles will strengthen the country’s logistical capacity and ensure the efficient transportation of visiting dignitaries. They said the support will contribute to the smooth organisation of the summit while enabling Sierra Leone to provide a warm and dignified reception for regional leaders and other high-level guests.
The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Zhao Yong, said the donation reflects the longstanding friendship between the people of China and Sierra Leone and demonstrates China’s continued commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s national development and increasing leadership role within the West African region.
Ambassador Zhao Yong further stated that the gesture is another practical demonstration of the fruitful cooperation that has characterized bilateral relations between the two countries over the years. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Sierra Leone across various sectors for their mutual benefit.
Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China for their generous support.
The Minister described the donation as a strong testament to the excellent bilateral relationship between the two nations, built on mutual respect, solidarity and shared development priorities. He noted that the vehicles will play a vital role in supporting the successful hosting of the ECOWAS Summit and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with China in the years ahead.
