By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone on Thursday, 9 July 2026, hosted a colourful cultural showcase and banquet to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone, as well as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The event brought together senior government officials, diplomats, development partners, and invited guests from both countries, who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The celebration featured a rich display of Chinese cultural performances, including music, dance, and drama, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations and highlighting the role of cultural exchange in deepening people-to-people ties.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Zhao Yong, described the celebration as one of the flagship events organised by the Chinese Embassy to mark the historic milestone.
He said the programme reflected the shared commitment of both countries to promoting mutual understanding through cultural diplomacy.
“Today, we gather in celebration, using song, dance, drama, and music as a bridge to strengthen friendship and deepen cultural exchanges between our peoples,” Ambassador Zhao said.
He thanked the performers, organizers, partners, and guests for contributing to the success of the event, noting that the celebration was a testament to the enduring friendship between China and Sierra Leone.
The Ambassador observed that despite the geographical distance between the two countries, their relationship has continued to flourish over the past five decades, built on mutual respect, equality, solidarity, and shared interests.
According to him, China has consistently supported Sierra Leone during periods of national challenge, including the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to invest in healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and human resource development.
Ambassador Zhao disclosed that more than 1,300 Sierra Leoneans have benefited from Chinese Government scholarships over the years, while over 6,000 citizens have participated in short-term training and exchange programmes in China.
He also highlighted the contribution of the Confucius Institute in promoting the Chinese language and culture, describing it as an important platform for strengthening cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries.
Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Francess Piagie Alghali, said the anniversary marked five decades of enduring friendship, productive cooperation, and mutual respect.
She noted that the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, established under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), seeks to strengthen cultural, educational, and social ties beyond traditional development cooperation.
According to her, Sierra Leone and China have built a multifaceted partnership spanning education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, trade, capacity building, and other sectors that continue to contribute significantly to Sierra Leone’s national development.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to the One China Principle and expressed appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its continued support toward the country’s development aspirations.
Also addressing the gathering, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Nabeela Farida Tunis, described culture and tourism as powerful instruments for strengthening relations between nations.
She said the anniversary provides an opportunity for both countries to expand cooperation beyond infrastructure by deepening collaboration in cultural exchange, tourism, the creative industries, and broader people-to-people engagement.
According to Hon. Tunis, Sierra Leone’s designation of 2026 as the Year of Culture and Creativity aligns closely with China’s vision of promoting stronger cultural cooperation with Africa.
She observed that culture is not only a reflection of a nation’s history and identity but also a catalyst for economic growth, social cohesion, and mutual understanding among peoples.
The Minister further noted that tourism promotes cultural appreciation, encourages dialogue among communities, and contributes to sustainable development, adding that it should become an even stronger pillar of China–Sierra Leone relations in the years ahead.
The celebration concluded with captivating cultural performances by students and artists, showcasing China’s rich cultural heritage while reinforcing the longstanding friendship and growing partnership between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Sierra Leone.