S\Leone-China Bond Stronger
By Benjamin S Conteh
The Government of Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China on Thursday 9 July, 2026, marked the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with a colourful Cultural Gala held at the Bintumani Hotel, Aberdeen, Freetown. The event also marked the China Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, highlighting the enduring friendship, cultural ties, and development partnership between the two nations.
The ceremony brought together government officials, diplomats, development partners, cultural performers, and invited guests to reflect on five and a half decades of diplomatic cooperation that has significantly contributed to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Zhao Yong, described the relationship between China and Sierra Leone as one built on mutual trust, respect, and unwavering support despite the geographical distance separating the two countries.
Quoting an ancient Chinese proverb, Ambassador Zhao said, “Two friends feel close, even when they are far apart,” noting that the saying perfectly captures the friendship between China and Sierra Leone.
He emphasized that for the past 55 years both countries have consistently respected each other’s sovereignty, supported each other’s development aspirations, and maintained strong political trust regardless of changes in the international environment.
The Ambassador commended Sierra Leone’s commitment to the One-China Principle and praised the country’s contribution to regional peace and stability through its leadership role in West Africa and service on the United Nations Security Council.
Highlighting China’s contribution to Sierra Leone’s development, Ambassador Zhao noted that China has remained one of Sierra Leone’s largest development partners and sources of foreign investment. He cited major projects including banking, road infrastructure, energy, fisheries, agriculture, health, and public infrastructure that have transformed communities across the country.
He further stated that bilateral trade continues to grow steadily, creating new opportunities for businesses and strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.
The Ambassador also highlighted China’s support during difficult periods in Sierra Leone’s history, including the Ebola epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, describing China’s timely assistance as a demonstration of genuine friendship.
According to Ambassador Zhao, people-to-people exchanges remain one of the strongest pillars of the bilateral relationship. Over the years, thousands of Sierra Leoneans have benefited from Chinese government scholarships, professional training programmes, and capacity-building initiatives, while Chinese medical teams have continued to provide healthcare services across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Francess P. Alghali, congratulated both countries on reaching the historic milestone.
She conveyed warm greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and the Government and people of Sierra Leone to President Xi Jinping and the people of China, describing the anniversary as a celebration of enduring friendship, solidarity, and shared prosperity.
The Deputy Minister explained that the China Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, established under the framework of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), seeks to strengthen cultural understanding, educational exchanges, tourism, youth engagement, and cooperation between African and Chinese societies.
She noted that Sierra Leone and China have enjoyed decades of fruitful cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, trade, and human resource development.
Among the achievements she highlighted were the construction of important public infrastructure, continued medical cooperation through Chinese medical teams, scholarship opportunities for Sierra Leonean students, technical assistance, and support for national development programmes.
Also addressing the gathering, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Nabeela Farida Tunis, described culture as one of the strongest bridges connecting nations and peoples.
She said the friendship between Sierra Leone and China has evolved beyond government-to-government cooperation into meaningful people-to-people partnerships that continue to promote understanding, peace, and mutual respect.
The Minister praised China’s contributions to Sierra Leone’s development in infrastructure, energy, healthcare, education, and tourism, noting that these investments have positively impacted the lives of ordinary citizens.
She stressed that the celebration comes at an important time as Sierra Leone continues to promote culture and tourism as key drivers of national development.
Hon. Tunis encouraged increased cultural exchanges, artistic collaborations, tourism promotion, educational partnerships, media cooperation, and creative industry development between both countries.
She further called for more Chinese tourists to visit Sierra Leone and experience the country’s rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, wildlife, music, history, and hospitality, while encouraging Sierra Leoneans to continue embracing opportunities for cultural and educational exchange with China.
The colourful gala featured traditional cultural performances from both Sierra Leone and China, showcasing music, dance, fashion, and artistic expressions that reflected the rich heritage of the two nations.
As the evening concluded, speakers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism, technology, culture, healthcare, and people-to-people exchanges, expressing confidence that the next chapter of China, Sierra Leone relations will deliver even greater benefits for both countries
