By: James Kamara-Manneh
The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone together with friendship organizations on the 10th May 2023 held the second session of face-to-face with China at China House in Freetown.
This session gears towards bridging and renewing the Sierra Leone-China Friendship and exchange of views on issues of common interest. The gathering also highlights the latest developments in China and their cooperation in sharing with Sierra Leone some ideas on how to further cement international relationships.
Making his opening remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone H.E Wang Qing highlighted three successful areas China has tackled recently at the beginning of 2023.
Firstly, the “two sessions” were held in March. By “two sessions”, I mean the session of the National People’s Congress (NPC), our parliament, and the session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the consultative body. At the NPC session, the new state leaders were elected. In particular, H.E. Xi Jinping was unanimously re-elected President of the People’s Republic of China, reflecting the common will of the Chinese people. H.E. President Xi Jinping will continue to steer the ship for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, ensuring the continuity and stability of China’s policy.
Secondly, China has adjusted its policies on the prevention and control of the epidemic, injecting new energy into China and bringing new opportunities to the world. The measures included cancelling entry PCR testing and quarantine, and orderly resuming outbound and inbound tourism. As a result, people’s life has returned to normal at an accelerated pace, and the economic vitality and development potential have been fully released, injecting more confidence and strength to drive the world economic recovery. I wonder if you have followed the recent May Day holiday in China, which is a vivid example of the strong recovery of the cultural and tourism sector. According to relevant data, a total of 274 million domestic trips were made during the May Day holiday, generating 148 billion yuan of tourism revenues, up by 70% and 128% year-on-year respectively. Outbound travel bookings of Chinese tourists soared by nearly seven times year-on-year. This large-scale consumption reflects the rapid and stable transition from the epidemic prevention and control period to a new start of China’s economic development. It also once again demonstrates to the world a China full of vitality and hope. The Regional Economic Outlook for Asia and Pacific’s report published by IMF shows that the strong rebound of the Chinese economy provides a great impetus for the Asia-Pacific and global economy. The Chinese economy is expected to expand by 5.2% this year and contribute 34.9% to global growth. It is believed that the vibrant Chinese economy will inject more vitality into the world’s economic recovery.
Thirdly, China’s diplomacy has pressed the ‘accelerator button, making new contributions to world peace and development. This year, Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, French President Macron, European Commission President Von der Leyen and Gabonese President Bongo visited China one after another. Recently China hosted fourth China–Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, meaning China’s “home-ground diplomacy” has reached a new peak, Facilitated by China, Saudi Arabia and Iran resumed diplomatic relations. China has also released the Concept Paper on the Global Security Initiative, the document on China’s position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and the document on China’s position on Afghanistan, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Thanks to China’s efforts, it is encouraging to see that more Middle Eastern countries are shaking hands and embracing peace. China’s position on the Ukraine issue is understood by more and more countries. People have realized that China does not inflame or take advantage of the situation. Rather, China has taken an impartial stance and pushed for peace talks in order to reduce the pressure and lower the temperature around the crisis. As the world’s largest developing country, China will inject more positive energy into world peace. Facts have proven that the development of China is a boost to the force for peace and justice in the world.
However, Amb. Qing appreciates the long-standing relationship of the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Society, Sierra Leone China Friendship Association, Sierra Leone China Foundation, Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association and the media for their tremendous contributions towards maintaining the traditional friendship between China and Sierra Leone, enhancing mutual understanding and promoting cooperation between the two sides.
“We should have a sense of the times, a sense of mission and a sense of urgency to be action-takers as well as story-tellers in order to spread a big voice of our friendly relations,” he stated.
He concluded that the China-Sierra Leone friendship is a precious treasure that has been tested for years and needs to be cherished together.
“Let’s work together to add more and more bricks to the building of our friendship and be the guardian of it forever!”
Whereas, the Hon. Edward Hinga Sandy, Minister of Trade and Industry further elaborated on the gains between countries in terms of education, agriculture, electricity, infrastructural development and others. He said Sierra Leone has hugely benefited from the generosity of China as that has had positive impacts on Sierra Leoneans. He highlighted some of his landmark experiences studying in China. He called on the Ambassador to create more opportunities for young Sierra Leonean graduates to experience what they experience in China by embarking on various academic courses. He further appreciated China for contributing hugely to Sierra Leone’s Economy by bringing in various mining and fishing companies to boost the economy and create more job opportunities.
However, statements were made by representatives from the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Society, Sierra Leone-China Friendship Association, Sierra Leone-China Alumni and Sierra Leone-China Foundation.
The session climaxed with questions and answers, while the outgoing Political Director of the Chinese Embassy, Mr Hu Aimin delivered a farewell speech, as he will be going on another diplomatic assignment in Europe.
