Sierra Leone and China have committed to enhancing their bilateral relations as Chinese President Xi Jinping praised Sierra Leone’s leadership under President Julius Maada Bio.
During a meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Bio expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from China, highlighting the significant improvements in the China-Sierra Leone relationship.
He pointed to the recent International Fish Export Certification received by Sierra Leone, which he noted would enhance trade relations between the two countries.
“I want to assure you that Sierra Leone will continue to be a reliable partner and a dependable friend to China,” Bio said.
The Sierra Leonian leader further underscored the urgent need to address the persistent security challenges in the Sahel region.
Xi expressed his appreciation for Bio’s contributions to global peace and security, particularly noting his recent leadership role during Sierra Leone’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council.
According to a statement by Sierra Leone’s State House on Wednesday, Xi commended Bio for his steadfast leadership of the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10) and reiterated China’s support for Africa’s call for reform of the UN Security Council, a point of significant importance for many African nations seeking greater representation on the global stage.
Both leaders emphasised the importance of cooperation across various sectors, with Xi pledging to bolster collaboration in agriculture, fisheries, mining, infrastructure development, resource lending initiatives, and security.
Xi announced an increase in Chinese development assistance to Sierra Leone, which is expected to facilitate further progress in these areas.
The strengthening ties between Sierra Leone and China reflect a broader trend of expanding Sino-African relations, characterised by increased investment and development assistance from China across the continent.
JN/APA