By Amin Kef Sesay
It is on record that the bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and China has been very rewarding, benefitting both countries. On May 7, 2021, President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with President Julius Maada Bio.
Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Sierra Leone.
He said over the half century, no matter how the international situation changes, the two countries have always supported each other on issues related to their respective core interests and major concerns, and have always stood firmly together at critical moments in the face of such major infectious diseases as Ebola and COVID-19.
The Chinese President said the two sides have always maintained a high level of political mutual trust and are good brothers and good friends.
He highlighted how Chinese medical teams, expert teams, anti-pandemic supplies and vaccines have played a positive role in Sierra Leone’s pandemic prevention and control.
“China is willing to strengthen cooperation with and provide support and assistance for Sierra Leone in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” he assured President Bio.
Xi Jinping stressed that this year is important to the two countries, two parties and bilateral relations.
“The two sides join hands to hold 50th-anniversary celebrations, carry forward their traditional friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and promote common development,” he said adding that China will continue to provide as much support and assistance as its capacity allows for Sierra Leone’s national economic development.
Xi Jinping highlighted that as the world is undergoing transformations rarely seen in a century, the two sides should strengthen unity and cooperation, firmly support each other, and jointly safeguard international equity and justice as well as the common interests of developing countries.
“China is willing to work with Sierra Leone to strengthen coordination within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC,” he further assured.
President Julius Maada Bio, on his part, said, “I extend warm congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Sierra Leone. China, in the spirit of putting people first, has made remarkable achievements in getting rid of poverty and fighting the COVID-19 epidemic, which has not only made itself stronger, but also made important contributions to world peace, security and economic growth.”
He thanked China for its concrete and practical assistance for Sierra Leone’s economic and social development and fight against the pandemic.
The President said China is a true and trustworthy good friend of Sierra Leone and the African people.
“Sierra Leone firmly upholds the one-China policy and firmly supports China in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” he said.
He assured that Sierra Leone stands ready to work with China to deepen the friendship between the two countries, strengthen cooperation in such areas as education, health and food security, and advance cooperation within the framework of the FOCAC.
