The Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, has announced the establishment of the Sierra Leone-China Parliamentary Friendship Group and called on Sierra Leone to continue upholding the One China Policy, describing it as a cornerstone of the growing bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Providing an update to Parliament following a recent meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Speaker Thomas revealed that the newly established Sierra Leone-China Parliamentary Friendship Group is intended to facilitate regular parliamentary exchanges, strengthen legislative cooperation, and deepen mutual understanding between both countries.
“The Parliamentary Friendship Group will serve as a platform to promote closer collaboration in areas of governance, trade, education, and cultural exchange,” Speaker Thomas stated. He added that the initiative also reflects Sierra Leone’s continued support for the One China Policy, which recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing China.
During his address, the Speaker also unveiled the members of the Sierra Leone-China Parliamentary Friendship Delegation. He further disclosed that the delegation had been invited to a dinner hosted by the Chinese Ambassador Zhao Yong at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown later that evening.
“The purpose of this engagement is to deepen diplomatic ties and explore new avenues for cooperation that will benefit both our peoples,” he said.
The establishment of the Friendship Group marks another significant step in strengthening diplomatic and parliamentary relations between Sierra Leone and China. Over the years, the two countries have collaborated extensively in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and capacity building.