Post a comment 
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor M. Bah, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, hosted the newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, during a courtesy visit at his office in the Youyi Building.
Welcoming the ambassador, Minister Bah expressed appreciation for what he described as China’s enduring friendship and consistent support to Sierra Leone. He commended the steady progress made in relations between the two countries and expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in key development areas.
According to the Minister, discussions focused on ongoing and proposed initiatives, including collaboration in capacity building, study tours and investment opportunities. He appealed for China’s support in refurbishing the Miatta Civic Centre and in providing coastal buses to enhance civic engagement programmes across the country.
Minister Bah also highlighted the modernization of the Government Printing Department, a project being undertaken with support from a Chinese private firm, Diming Yimo Printing Company, in partnership with the Government Printer. He said the company is investing five million United States dollars to transform the facility into a modern printing complex.
“We expect to invite the Ambassador to the official opening of the refurbished Government Printing Department in April as part of our Independence Day celebrations,” Minister Bah stated. “This partnership reflects expanding opportunities between China and Sierra Leone, not only at the government-to-government level but also through people-to-people and business-to-business cooperation.”
The Minister disclosed that the agreement between the Government Printing Department and the Ministry has received approval from Cabinet and the Attorney General, with work already underway. He described the initiative as a major turnaround for a facility that had experienced years of neglect.
In his response, Ambassador Zhao reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and pledged to give positive consideration to Sierra Leone’s proposals. He noted that this year marks the 56th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone and assured that the Chinese Embassy would continue to promote Sierra Leone’s culture, stories and investment opportunities to the Chinese public.
The meeting underscored what both sides described as a shared determination to deepen cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and expand partnership in support of sustainable development.
