March 26, 2021
It is good from China with President Xi Jinping recommitting to strengthening Sino-Africa ties, according to yesterday CGTN Africa publication. Sierra Leone stands to benefit from this renewed commitment in many areas it is been noted.
The reaffirmation of commitment marks the 8th anniversary sine President Xi Jinping made Sino-Africa relationship overture at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, in 2013.
At the event eight years back President Xi Jinping is quoted as saying: “When I visit Africa, I am always struck by two things. One is its continuous progress. Each time I come to Africa I am deeply impressed by new progress in development, which is most encouraging. The other is the warmth of the African people.”
According to CGTN Africa: “Using the Forum on China Africa cooperation (FOCAC) as a vehicle, a new strategic partnership has been established.”
The story adds: “In a less than a decade, under the belt and road initiative which aims to link the continent with global markets through interconnectivity, China has helped construct rail networks in Kenya, Ethiopia and Nigeria among others, aviation hubs and Ports across the continent and thousands of kilometers of roads, opening up previously inaccessible areas to new markets.
China’s bilateral relationship with the continent, according to President Xi Jingping is based on unity and cooperation, it has been reasserted.
According to CGTN: “President Xi Jinping has also promised that Beijing would honor its commitments to Africa and continue to offer necessary assistance without attaching political strings. Nowhere is that more evident than Chinese medical assistance during the Covid-19 Pandemic.”