China and Sierra Leone on Thursday, 9 July 2026, commemorated the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the China Africa Year of People to People Exchanges with a ceremony at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Freetown.
The event brought together government officials, diplomats, development partners, 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 commemoration, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Zhao Yong, described the anniversary as a testament to the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries, noting that although China and Sierra Leone are geographically distant, they have remained close friends for 55 years through mutual respect, equality and unwavering support.
He commended Sierra Leone for its continued adherence to the One China Principle and acknowledged the country’s role as Chair of ECOWAS and a non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. He said both countries have continued to cooperate closely on regional and international affairs while promoting peace, stability and multilateral cooperation.
Ambassador Zhao stated that economic relations have expanded significantly over the years, making China Sierra Leone’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years and one of its leading sources of foreign investment. He said cooperation has produced major development projects, including the National Stadium, the China Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital and investments in agriculture, fisheries and other productive sectors that continue to improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans.
He added that China’s preferential trade policies have created greater access for Sierra Leonean products to the Chinese market and expressed confidence that bilateral trade would continue to grow.
Highlighting China’s support during periods of national crisis, Ambassador Zhao recalled China’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 and have provided healthcare to over one million patients.
On education and cultural cooperation, he disclosed that more than 1,300 Sierra Leoneans have benefited from Chinese Government scholarships, while over 6,000 professionals have participated in training and exchange programmes in China. He further praised the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone for training more than 14,000 Sierra Leoneans in the Chinese language and strengthening cultural understanding between the two countries.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Madam Francess P. Alghali, described the anniversary as an important milestone reflecting decades of enduring friendship, mutual trust and expanding cooperation between Sierra Leone and China.
She noted that the celebration coincided with the China Africa Year of People to People Exchanges under the Forum on China Africa Cooperation, an initiative aimed at strengthening social, cultural, educational and youth exchanges while deepening relations beyond traditional development cooperation.
Madam Alghali said the partnership has delivered significant achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education and trade. She cited projects such as 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 evidence of China’s continued commitment to Sierra Leone’s development.
She also acknowledged China’s diplomatic support for Sierra Leone, including its backing for the country’s election to the United Nations Security Council. She said President Julius Maada Bio’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Action provides an opportunity for both countries to deepen cooperation in pursuit of Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Farida Tunis, emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations. She said people to people exchanges have become a vital pillar of the relationship, helping to deepen understanding and friendship between the citizens of both countries.
She observed that despite the geographical distance separating Sierra Leone and China, the relationship has continued to flourish through mutual respect, solidarity and shared development aspirations. She reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to the One China Principle and commended China’s consistent support for the country’s development priorities.
Madam Tunis highlighted China’s contributions to Sierra Leone’s economic growth through infrastructure development, healthcare, education and investment. She also praised the long standing contribution of Chinese medical teams and educational scholarship programmes, describing them as lasting investments in Sierra Leone’s human capital development.
She further commended the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone for promoting Chinese language education and cultural exchange while strengthening mutual understanding between both nations.
The ceremony featured cultural performances showcasing the rich traditions of both China and Sierra Leone, underscoring the significance of cultural diplomacy in fostering stronger people to people ties.
The anniversary celebration 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, culture and human capital development for the mutual benefit of both countries.
