Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone Successfully Hosts the 3rd Edition of ‘Face to Face with China’

In a bid to enhance mutual understanding and forge stronger ties, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Sierra Leone successfully organized the third installment of the “Face to Face with China” event on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

The event, held at the Chinese Embassy’s premises on Spur Loop, brought together prominent figures and representatives from various sectors.

Gracing the occasion were esteemed dignitaries, including the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Amb. Wang Qing, Ge Yao, Acting Political Director of the Chinese Embassy, officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ministry of Information and Civic Education, representatives from China-Africa Institute of University of Makeni, Star TV, and journalists.

The key focus of the event was to share personal experiences from visits to China. Distinguished guests, Moses Kamara from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Alhaji Mohamed Jaward from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Alpha Mohamed Jalloh from China-Africa Institute of University of Makeni, and George Elliot Sam from Star TV, provided firsthand accounts of their enriching encounters in China.

Amb. Wang Qing delivered a compelling keynote address, underscoring the vital role of people-to-people exchange in strengthening the bonds between China and Sierra Leone. During his speech, he shed light on recent developments in China, particularly in four crucial areas:

1. Chinese Economic Growth: Amb. Wang Qing highlighted China’s remarkable economic resilience, with an impressive GDP growth of 5.5 percent in the first half of the year, signaling a steady recovery. Esteemed international organizations such as the UN, World Bank, and IMF expressed their confidence in China’s economic prospects. Additionally, growing interest from foreign companies to invest in China reflects the country’s promising economic landscape.
2. Flourishing China-Africa Relations: Amb. Wang Qing emphasized the success of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, which served as a testament to the robust economic and trade cooperation between China and African nations. The cooperative efforts extended to various domains, including digital economy, green development, aerospace, and finance, mutually benefiting both regions.
3. Nurturing China-U.S. Relations: Amb. Wang Qing stressed the significance of China-U.S. relations and highlighted recent high-level communication between the two nations, offering an opportunity to stabilize the relationship. He urged constructive actions to manage differences and expand collaboration across diverse sectors.
4. Strengthening China-Sierra Leone Relations: Amb. Wang Qing conveyed President Xi Jinping’s warm congratulations to President Bio on his reelection following the recent presidential and parliamentary elections in Sierra Leone. China reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s economic and social development, fostering a brighter future for bilateral relations.

Amb. Wang Qing concluded his address by encouraging greater engagement and exchanges between the peoples of China and Sierra Leone, fostering deeper understanding and lasting friendship. The “Face to Face with China” event served as a crucial platform for mutual learning and cooperation, further cementing the strong ties between the two nations.

As the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone approaches, the event offered a moment of reflection to celebrate the shared history and pursue mutual prosperity. The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone reaffirmed its dedication to promoting friendship, cooperation, and lasting peace for the benefit of both nations and the global community.