By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a step towards deepening bilateral relations, a high-profile Chinese delegation, led by Lai Mingyong, Vice Chairman of the Hunan Provincial CPPCC, visited the Sierra Leone Parliament on Monday, November 25, 2024. The delegation engaged with parliamentary leaders to discuss areas of mutual cooperation and diplomatic collaboration between the two nations.
The visit underscores the longstanding friendship between Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China, built over 75 years of partnership. Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, extended a warm red-carpet welcome to the delegation, emphasizing the invaluable support Sierra Leone has received from China over the years.
In his address, Speaker Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas praised the enduring diplomatic ties between the two countries, acknowledging China’s significant contributions to Sierra Leone’s development. He assured the delegation of Parliament’s commitment to preserving and advancing this relationship, noting the critical role of bilateral agreements in fostering growth.
“We value our friendship with China immensely,” Speaker Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas remarked. “Sierra Leone has other friends, but China stands out as one of our most reliable partners. We are always ready to welcome Chinese delegations and reciprocate with visits to China.”
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, expressed his appreciation for China’s continued support, particularly in infrastructure and development projects that benefit Sierra Leone’s Parliament. He pledged the Opposition’s unwavering support for fostering the Sierra Leone-China partnership, highlighting its importance for national progress.
“Sierra Leone deeply cherishes this relationship,” Hon. Abdul Kargbo said. “We look forward to more fruitful engagements that further strengthen the bond between our nations.”
Lai Mingyong, the head of the Chinese delegation, expressed gratitude for the warm reception by Sierra Leone’s Parliament. Reflecting on the decades of friendship, he emphasized China’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing the relationship.
“We deeply value the partnership between Sierra Leone and China,” he stated. “This bond is built on mutual respect and shared goals. We look forward to welcoming more parliamentary leaders from Sierra Leone to China for study tours and cultural exchanges.”
The delegation included prominent Chinese officials such as Ambassador Wang Qing, Deng Qunce, Secretary General of Hunan Provincial CPPCC and Chen Zhongbo, Director of the Committee of Population, Resources and Environment. Other notable members were Luo Shuangquan, Vice Chairman of the Zhigong Party Hunan Provincial Committee and Xiao Hao, Vice President of the School of Economics and Trade at Hunan University.
The meeting concluded with a group portrait to commemorate the occasion, symbolizing the enduring friendship between Sierra Leone and China.
This visit reinforces Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and highlights China’s pivotal role in supporting the nation’s development trajectory.
