Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, and First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, have departed Freetown to attend the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.

The event, scheduled from September 4-6, 2024, is a pivotal gathering that seeks to bolster China-Africa relations.

Invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Sierra Leonean delegation will join other African leaders and key global figures to explore avenues for deepening partnerships between China and Africa.

This year’s summit carries the theme, “Joining Together to Promote Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community for the Future,” underscoring the commitment of both regions to enhance collaboration in various fields.

During the summit, discussions are expected to focus on economic cooperation, infrastructure development, trade, and investment opportunities, as well as cultural exchanges that aim to foster a closer relationship between China and African nations.

President Bio’s participation signifies Sierra Leone’s continued engagement in global dialogues and its commitment to advancing the nation’s development goals through strategic international partnerships.