By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio commence a State Visit to the People’s Republic of China today 28th February, 2024 which will last until the 2nd March, 2024 after arriving in Beijing, China, on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Their visit aims to fortify the longstanding bilateral ties between Sierra Leone and China, encompassing crucial discussions and engagements.
The invitation for this esteemed visit was extended by His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, signifying the mutual commitment to enhance cooperation and understanding between the two nations.
During their stay, President Bio is scheduled to convene meetings with prominent figures in the Chinese Government, including Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. The highlight of the visit will be the official talks between President Bio and President Xi Jinping, fostering dialogue on various aspects of mutual interest and cooperation.
A pivotal event during the State Visit is the Roundtable Investment Forum, designed to bring together investors and representatives from both countries, particularly facilitated by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. President Bio is set to deliver the keynote address, emphasizing Sierra Leone’s potential as an investment destination and fostering partnerships with Chinese enterprises.
Adding to the significance of the visit, President Bio will be honored with an honorary doctorate degree by the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan Province, recognizing his contributions to bilateral relations and global diplomacy.
The relationship between China and Sierra Leone spans over five decades, marked by milestones such as the signing of the Belt and Road cooperation memorandum in 2018 and the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement in 2023. This enduring partnership has yielded substantial results, as evidenced by the exponential growth in bilateral trade volume and Chinese investment in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure and development projects.
Sierra Leonean Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah, in an interview , expressed gratitude for China’s assistance in enhancing Sierra Leone’s infrastructure and socio-economic development. He underscored the tangible benefits of Chinese initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which have significantly contributed to Sierra Leone’s progress.
Ahead of President Bio’s visit, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, expressed optimism, anticipating that the visit would invigorate the comprehensive growth of bilateral relations and foster fruitful cooperation between China and Sierra Leone.
President Julius Maada Bio’s State Visit to China holds promise for further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, paving the way for mutual prosperity and development.
