By: Saidu Jalloh (Intern)
With the long standing friendship that has existed between Sierra Leone and China, The Sino – Sierra Leone Alumni Association (SILSAA) has organized a celebration party for Chinese nationals at the 74th Chinese National Day held on the 6th October 2023 at Bintumani Hotel, Freetown.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Ibrahim Seibure used the opportunity to extend National Day greetings to the People’s Republic of China as they were there as the real ambassadors. He reminisce his days in China-2009 when China celebrated their 60 years independence anniversary and saw the display of the China’s achievements. He maintained that the Deputy Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone said there is a mutual respect that co-exists between Sierra Leone-China and it is that mutual respect that brings them together.
Dr. Seibure also assured the Deputy Ambassador that Sierra Leone Alumni Association (SILSAA) will continue to serve as the bridge between China and Sierra Leone and continues to ensure that both countries respect is maintained, and continue to enjoy mutual benefits. He explained that the education they are getting from China is not benefiting only Sierra Leoneans but also China as they are the real ambassadors that tell the stories.
“We have seen it, we have realized it, and we are here to breach the gap between the two countries and we continue to give their citizens the opportunity to maintain mutual respect,” Dr. Seibure concludes.
The National Chairman of Sierra Leone China Friendship Society, Mr. Soko Moiwai Kai- Samba expressed that in the course of promoting the Socioeconomic and cultural advancement of the People’s Republic of China and by extension the Chinese people in the Republic of Sierra Leone, they consider the Sino – Sierra Leone Alumni Association as sister and as partner organization to the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Society (SLCFS). He said he felt gratified and thankful for the recognition and mark of respect bestowed on him as the National Chairman of the Sierra Leone China Friendship Society.
Kai – Sam also affirmed that as a society they pride themselves as the leading and pioneering organization that set the machinery and championed the establishment of the bilateral and diplomatic corporation between the two countries that has existed for over 52 years.
He also told the public that it was members of the SLCFS that initiated the discussion about the need for a diplomatic cooperation between the two countries and that SLCFS was also in existence months before the establishment of bilateral relationship between China and Sierra Leone in 1971.
“Thankfully for over 52 years today, China and Sierra Leone have continued to uphold mutuality, respectability and solidarity; a friendship that is guided by respect for each other’s culture, tradition and values. And of course, a friendship that continues to strengthen each other’s economy and maximize the welfare of its entire people,” Mr. Kai – Samba said.
Mr Kai – Samba also acknowledge the development strides made by the Chinese in Sierra Leone. He said that in 2004 the Chinese constructed 4 waiting boot (Bus Stop) in strategic points in Freetown and other communities within the Western Area, specifically at “The Lodge” Ferry Junction, Mayeme – Junction (Allentown) and Jui – Junction. He noted that the project was to give a physical feasibility if the Chinese sponsored projects directly to the grass-root people of Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Ambassador, Mr Li Xiayong said the 74 years ago, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese people won national independence and liberation after several generations’ arduous struggle and established the People’s Republic of China. Over the past 74 years, CPC has led the Chinese people to successfully open up a path to Chinese modernization through a long-term exploration and independent practice.
He said the Chinese government has lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty, won the largest battle against poverty in human history, and built the world’s largest compulsory education system, social security system, and medical and health system.
Mr Li said that this year, in the face of the severe and complex world economic situation, China has made great efforts to promote high-quality development. For the first half of this year, China’s GDP grew by 5.5 percent year-on-year, visibly faster than the three-percent growth rate last year, higher than the average annual growth rate of 4.5 percent over the three years under COVID-19.
According to the IMF World Economic Outlook updated in June, China’s economy is expected to grow by 5.2 percent and account for one third of global growth this year.
“China and Sierra Leone friendly cooperation have made new important progress in education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, military exchange and other fields”, he said.
The China-Aided Foreign Service Academy and the Type-C boat were handed over as scheduled. China provided 1,100 tons of emergency humanitarian food assistance to Sierra Leone. And a new Chinese agricultural expert technical team arrived in Sierra Leone in July.
He added that they also celebrate the 50th anniversary of China’s dispatch of medical team to Sierra Leone. The Chinese government has provided scholarships for 155 Sierra Leonean students this year, who will be new members of SISLAA in the future. China also appreciated that Sierra Leone has always stood firm in adhering to the one-China policy and supporting China’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
“The healthy development of China-Sierra Leone relations cannot be achieved without the support of the people of both countries. For a long time, SISLAA has made important contributions to maintaining the traditional friendship between China and Sierra Leone, enhancing mutual understanding and promoting cooperation between the two sides.”
Li said China-Sierra Leone friendship is a precious treasure that has been tested by years and needs to be cherished for together.
“Let’s work together to add more and more bricks to the building of our friendship and be the guardian of it forever,” he concluded.
The occasion was climaxed with toast and pleasantries.
