Today, July 29, 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, China-Sierra Leone friendship has been sailing smoothly, with both countries always treating each other as good brothers, good friends and good partners in the spirit of mutual respect, mutual support and win-win cooperation.

With the joint efforts of both governments and peoples, China-Sierra Leone friendly cooperation has been constantly enhanced, yielding satisfactory results and becoming a model of China-Africa cooperation and South-South cooperation.

China-Sierra Leone friendship is just like the iconic cotton tree in the center of Freetown, time-honored yet flourishing and thriving.

Meanwhile, Presidents Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and Xi Jinping of China have exchange messages of congratulations on the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of China-Sierra Leone Diplomatic relations.

President Bio’s congratulatory message to President Jinping reads as follows.

“Your Excellency,

I am delighted to convey, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Sierra Leone and on my own behalf, warmest felicitations to you and through you to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China on the auspicious occasion marking the celebration of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China.

Over the past fifty (50) years, our two countries have remained sincere in our friendship, solidarity and mutual assistance to each other on the basis of the principles of mutual respect, trust, equality and prosperity of our two peoples.

In the last fifty (50) years, Sierra Leone and China have enjoyed excellent relations both at the bilateral and international levels. It is my fervent hope that as we celebrate this significant relationship, the bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Excellency, I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to express my best wishes for your continued personal wellbeing, and for the prosperity of the friendly people of the People’s Republic of China.”

President Xi Jinping’s congratulatory message to President Julius Maada Bio reads as follows:

“Dear Mr. President,

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Sierra Leone, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and in my own name, warm congratulations and best wishes to you and, through you, to the friendly government and people of Sierra Leone.

In the past half century of our diplomatic ties, and despite changes in the international landscape, our two countries have always rendered each other understanding and support on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns.

Our cooperation in the economic field and that related to people’s well-being has yielded fruitful results. In the face of the stern challenges posed by COVID-19, our peoples have stood with each other and assisted each other in pandemic response, demonstrating our brotherly bond, one that has seen us through thick and thin.

I place great importance on China’s relations with Sierra Leone. On the occasion of the golden jubilee, I look forward to working with you to cement our friendship and mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and promote further growth of the China-Sierra Leone comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership for the benefit of our two countries and peoples.

May Sierra Leone enjoy prosperity and its people happiness. May China-Sierra Leone friendship be ever-lasting.”