–¥50 million for economic and technical assistance
– ¥20 million for debt cancellation
– 1500 tons of food assistance
Compiled By: James Kamara-Manneh
On Wednesday 28 February 2024 his Excellency president Xi Xinping announced a ¥50 million economic and technical assistance, ¥20 million debt cancellation and 1500 tonnes of food assistance for Sierra Leone during a bilateral meeting with Sierra Leone’s president Dr. Julius Maada Bio who is on a state visit to china.
During the meeting, president Xi Xinping stated that president Bio was the first African head of state to be received in 2024 and described the long-standing relationship between Sierra Leone and China as an efficient cooperation.
He highlighted various forms of assistance Sierra Leone had benefitted from china and expressed firm commitment to supporting the president’s big five priorities.
He commended president Bio’s leadership of African Union’s c-10 and assured him of China’s support for the African common position on the reform of the Security Council.
He invited president Bio to the upcoming forum on China-Africa cooperation summit this year, adding that “our relationship has been a fine example of Africa-China relationship”.
President Bio expressed gratitude to president Xi Xinping for the economic and technical assistance, debt cancellation and food assistance to Sierra Leone.
He noted that the relationship between the two nations dated back to 1971 and that the bond had transcended geographical distance.
He thanked president Xi Xinping for china’s support to Sierra Leone during the UN Security Council elections and assured him that Sierra Leone would support resolutions to enhance global peace and security. “China has been a reliable partner of Sierra Leone. It is my conviction that this visit will deepen the bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and China,” president Bio stated.
The leaders emphasized enduring the friendship meeting between china and Sierra Leone, highlighting their mutual support on issues vital to each other’s interests. President Xi hailed the relationship between the two nations as a model of solidarity and cooperation between china and Africa.
President Xi underscored the shared destiny between Chinese and African people, affirming china’s commitment to sincerity and friendship in enhancing cooperation with African countries. Both leaders acknowledged the longstanding diplomatic ties spanning over half a century, during which they have collaborated effectively on economic and social development and closely coordinated on international matters.
A spokesperson from the Chinese foreign ministry expressed optimism that president Bio’s visit would inject fresh momentum into the comprehensive development of China-Sierra Leone relations. The discussions, held at the great hall of the people in Beijing, were characterized by a focus on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring avenues for strategic and mutually beneficial cooperation.
President Bio echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential for joint efforts to pave the path towards a more prosperous future for both nations.
The visit culminated in president bio paying tribute to the founding heroes of the people’s republic of china by laying a wreath at the monument to the people’s heroes in Tiananmen Square.
The meetings between the leaders of china and Sierra Leone signal a commitment to deepening cooperation and fostering mutual understanding, further solidifying the bonds between the two nations.
