Zheng Hong, Vice Chairperson of the Anhui Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, on Friday, 5 December 2025, led a high-level delegation to the Parliament of Sierra Leone for a courtesy visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations between the two nations. The delegation was received by the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Segepoh Solomon Thomas Esq.
The visit focused on fostering collaboration in technology, trade and governance. Zheng Hong expressed gratitude for the warm reception and noted that Anhui Province hopes to expand its more than 50-year friendship with Sierra Leone through structured exchange visits.
“We invite you to plan a visit to Anhui,” he said, “so we can explore ways to enhance economic and technological cooperation, particularly in artificial intelligence and innovation.”
Zheng Hong highlighted Anhui’s achievements, including over US $60 million in import-export trade in 2024, and emphasized the importance of partnerships at the local level. “Mutual support between our regions is key to advancing shared development goals,” he added, calling for regular exchange visits between the Sierra Leone Parliament and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
The delegation also presented an official letter formally inviting Speaker Thomas to visit Anhui.
In his remarks, Speaker Thomas welcomed the delegation with a red-carpet reception and provided an overview of Sierra Leone’s governance structure. He explained that the country is divided into 16 electoral districts and operates a multiparty democratic system, though only the two dominant political parties currently hold seats in Parliament. He further clarified that the Sixth Parliament comprises 81 Members from the ruling party, 54 from the opposition, and 14 Paramount Chiefs, totaling 149 Members of Parliament.
He noted that Sierra Leone uses a proportional representation system established by law and highlighted key achievements of the Fifth Parliament, including the passage of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, which mandates a 30 percent quota for women in governance.
Speaker Thomas underscored the enduring China–Sierra Leone partnership since 1971 and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s consistent alignment with China on matters at the United Nations and other international platforms. He also requested training opportunities for MPs and parliamentary staff, stating, “We seek knowledge sharing, especially in technology and modern governance, to better serve our people.”
The meeting concluded with mutual pledges to strengthen ties through potential study tours, joint initiatives, and an exchange of gifts.
The delegation’s visit is regarded as an important step toward deepening economic, political and cultural cooperation between Anhui Province and the Parliament of Sierra Leone, further reinforcing decades of diplomatic friendship.