The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone hosted the Rt. Hon. Speaker, members of parliamentary leadership, and a cross-section of Members of Parliament at a dinner on Tuesday, 19th May 2026, to mark the launch of the newly established Sierra Leone-China Parliamentary Friendship Group. The event was held at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown.
The Friendship Group is intended to deepen bilateral cooperation between Sierra Leone and China, with particular emphasis on advancing the One China Policy and strengthening legislative exchanges between the two nations.
In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Yong extended a warm welcome to the Rt. Hon. Speaker and Members of Parliament for supporting the formation of the Group. He described the occasion as a significant milestone in China–Sierra Leone relations.
“It is a great honor to gather with the Sierra Leone parliamentary delegation to witness the official launch of the Sierra Leone–China Parliamentary Friendship Group. I also extend my warmest congratulations on its establishment,” he stated.
Ambassador Zhao expressed special appreciation to Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas, noting his longstanding support for China–Sierra Leone relations and his role in advancing cooperation between the two legislatures.
He recalled that in 2019; while serving as Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas led a delegation of young parliamentarians to China and co-signed a joint statement in support of the One China Principle. In 2024, the Speaker again visited China, where he met with Xi Jinping and Zhao Leji. Ambassador Zhao thanked the Speaker for his personal efforts in establishing the Friendship Group, which he said had elevated legislative cooperation to a new level.
The Ambassador emphasized that exchanges between legislative bodies are an important pillar of state-to-state relations. He noted that the legislatures of China and Sierra Leone have maintained friendly interactions for many years.
He further highlighted that the Group comprises nearly 20 Members of Parliament from different political parties, sectors, and regions, reflecting broad national consensus on strengthening ties with China. He expressed confidence that the Group would become a key platform for advancing legislative exchanges, upholding the One China Principle, promoting practical cooperation, and deepening the traditional friendship between the peoples of both countries.
Ambassador Zhao also noted that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone, a partnership that has produced landmark projects such as the Siaka Stevens Stadium and the Youyi Building.
“At this pivotal moment, the establishment of the Friendship Group carries special significance,” he said. He assured that China stands ready to work with Sierra Leone to deepen legislative exchanges based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, while also sharing governance experiences for the benefit of both peoples.
Responding, Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas thanked the Ambassador for hosting the dinner and described the launch of the Friendship Group as a major milestone for both Parliament and the People’s Republic of China. He noted that 2026 marks 55 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Speaking as Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic, he reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s unwavering support for the One China Policy.
“The One China Policy makes sense to any reasonable person. Taiwan is an integral part of China, and Sierra Leone stands firmly with China on this matter,” he stated.
Speaker Thomas said the Friendship Group would create meaningful opportunities for exchange and deliver tangible benefits for both nations. He concluded on an optimistic note, expressing hope for continued growth in the bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and China.