China, Sierra Leone Mark 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations at Freetown Reception

China and Sierra Leone have marked 55 years of diplomatic relations as the Chinese Embassy in Freetown hosted a National Day Reception celebrating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The reception was held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Chinese Embassy on Spur Loop in Freetown and brought together Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Jeneba J. Bangura, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Zhao Yong, government officials, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of Chinese enterprises and institutions, members of the Chinese community and other distinguished guests.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Zhao Yong highlighted China’s economic transformation, saying the country had become the world’s second-largest economy while recording improvements in national strength and living standards.

According to Zhao, China’s Gross Domestic Product reached US$10.25 trillion in the first half of 2026, representing a 4.7 per cent year-on-year increase, while foreign trade reached US$3.75 trillion, up 16.9 per cent.

He also highlighted the growth of China’s exports of electric vehicles, lithium batteries and solar cells, which he said increased by 45.8 per cent. Zhao further stated that China had become the largest holder of global artificial intelligence patents, accounting for 60 per cent of the world’s total.

The Ambassador said China continued to pursue high-standard opening up and remained committed to sharing development opportunities with other countries.

He noted that China had signed Belt and Road Initiative cooperation documents with more than 150 countries.

Zhao also highlighted China’s decision to fully implement zero tariffs from May 1, 2026, on imports from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, describing the policy as an opportunity to deepen China-Africa trade and economic cooperation.

Reflecting on the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone, Zhao described the milestone as an important point in the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

He said the two countries had supported and respected each other over the past 55 years and expressed appreciation for Sierra Leone’s consistent support for the one-China principle.

Zhao said cooperation had expanded across politics, trade and investment, health, education and culture, describing the relationship as an example of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation.

He said China had remained Sierra Leone’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment for more than a decade.

According to the Ambassador, bilateral trade reached approximately US$1.466 billion in the first half of 2026, representing an increase of about 38 percent compared with the same period in the previous year.

Zhao also highlighted China’s contribution to Sierra Leone’s health sector, saying Chinese medical teams had provided more than one million medical services to Sierra Leoneans over the past five decades.

In education and people-to-people exchanges, he disclosed that 130 Sierra Leonean students obtained Chinese Government scholarships in 2026, while more than 530 Sierra Leoneans travelled to China for short-term training.

The Ambassador said China was ready to work with Sierra Leone to implement agreements reached by the two heads of state and make greater use of opportunities created by China’s zero-tariff policy.

He said both countries would continue efforts to strengthen the China-Sierra Leone Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

Speaking at the reception, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Jeneba J. Bangura congratulated the Government and people of China on the anniversary and said Sierra Leone joined the Chinese people in celebrating the country’s development achievements.

Bangura pointed to China’s progress in infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, agriculture, renewable energy and human capital development, saying its development experience provided opportunities for dialogue, cooperation and knowledge sharing.

She expressed Sierra Leone’s interest in continued cooperation with China in agriculture, food security, infrastructure, trade and investment.

The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister recalled that Sierra Leone and China established diplomatic relations on July 29, 1971, and said the relationship had developed into a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership based on mutual respect, equality, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.

She highlighted Chinese contributions to Sierra Leone’s infrastructure, agriculture, health and education sectors, including projects and initiatives such as the National Stadium, the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Road and agricultural technical cooperation.

Bangura also called for increased Chinese investment beyond extractive industries, particularly in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, renewable energy technology and tourism.

The Minister highlighted the long-running education and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, noting that Sierra Leonean students had benefited from Chinese scholarships and training opportunities for decades.

She also pointed to continued cultural, medical and academic exchanges and cooperation between the two countries at the United Nations, particularly during Sierra Leone’s 2024–2025 tenure on the UN Security Council.

Looking ahead, Bangura said the next phase of the partnership should focus on expanding economic opportunities, deepening investment, strengthening trade, increasing educational exchanges, advancing technological cooperation and promoting closer people-to-people relations.

She reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership with China and translating the political understanding between the two countries into practical outcomes for their citizens.

The reception concluded with Ambassador Zhao Yong proposing a toast to the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the prosperity of China and Sierra Leone, the enduring friendship between the two countries, and the health and wellbeing of the guests and their families.