By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone Hu Zhangliang ,on the 10th June 2021, paid a visit to Dr. Memunatu Pratt, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs at the Ministry’s Head Office in Freetown.
The Chinese diplomat stated that his visit is to show his respect and appreciation to the Tourism Minister for the strong support she and the Ministry are giving to the development of the China-Sierra Leone cordial bi-lateral relationship and to also discuss with the Minister on the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Hu Zhangliang while discussing, asked the Minister about the possibility of cultural performances from the Ministry in celebration of the all-important event. He also highlighted the promotion of cultural exchange and tourism cooperation between Sierra Leone and China, to which he responded that that it is important for enhancing the mutual understanding and consolidating the good foundation for their State to State relationship.
The Minister welcomed the Chinese Ambassador to the Ministry saying that the Ambassador’s visit is geared towards building and strengthening the bi-lateral relationship between the two countries.
In terms of the 50th Anniversary celebration of the China-Sierra Leone bi-lateral relationship, Dr. Pratt said that there is going to be cultural performances from the Ministry where she would also deliver a speech.
She called on the Chinese Ambassador to continue supporting the capacity building of the Ministry in terms of training and sending people abroad and also developing cultural dialogues to promote inter-ethnic relations to address xenophobia and discrimination, and to also promote nationalism and peaceful co-existence.
A proposed visit for the Minister to visit her counterpart in China was also on the cards.
A cooperative agreement to support the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs was signed between the Ministry and the Chinese Embassy.
