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The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis called for deeper creative collaboration during the 55th anniversary celebration of diplomatic ties between Sierra Leone and China.
Speaking at the milestone event held at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, stressed the need for cultural diplomacy to drive the next chapter of partnership.
The celebration brought together a high-profile delegation, including Sierra Leone’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Fisheries, Tertiary Education, and Youth Affairs, alongside officials from the Chinese Embassy and key cultural stakeholders.
Minister Tunis highlighted a unique synergy between the two nations’ current national agendas, noting the strong alignment between China’s designation of 2026 as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and Sierra Leone’s own Year of Culture and Creativity 2026.
“Culture and tourism are powerful drivers of national identity, economic growth, and mutual understanding,” Minister Tunis stated, calling for robust institutional partnerships in heritage preservation, film, and the arts, as well as joint tourism promotion.
She expressed gratitude for China’s multi-sectoral support over the decades, which has significantly impacted Sierra Leone’s infrastructure, healthcare, education, and energy sectors.
The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Zhao Yong, reflected warmly on the 55-year journey, describing the bilateral relationship as one that has remained unshakable despite vast geographical distance and evolving global dynamics.
Reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to Freetown, the Ambassador pledged China’s readiness to build upon this historic foundation to further elevate people-to-people engagements in the coming years.
The anniversary was punctuated by a vibrant showcase blending the artistic traditions of both nations. Attendees were treated to a powerful fusion of music, dance, acrobatics, and poetry, which organisers noted served as a visual metaphor for the deep-rooted friendship and meaningful cooperation between the two countries.
As both nations look toward the future, the event concluded with a reinforced, shared commitment to utilise the creative industries as a vehicle for sustainable economic growth and mutual benefit.
