Freetown: Sierra Leone and China, separated by thousands of miles, continue to foster a unique and evolving relationship, as recounted by H.E. Zhao Yong, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone. Arriving in Sierra Leone for the fourth time, Ambassador Zhao noted significant transformations in the nation's landscape compared to his earlier visits between 2005 and 2010, marked by "three changes" and "three no changes."
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the first notable change is Sierra Leone's remarkable economic and social development progress. Emerging from the shadows of a civil war two decades ago, the country now thrives under President Bio's "Big Five Game Changers." As a testament to its progress, Sierra Leone has actively contributed to global peace, development, and African unity as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and chair of ECOWAS.
The second change revolves around the strengthening ties between China and Sierra Leone through increased high-level exchanges. In 2024, President Bio made a state visit to China, marking his second visit in a year, a historic move for a Sierra Leonean leader. Additionally, Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong's recent visit to Sierra Leone underscores the nations' shared interests and close coordination on international and regional matters.
The third change is the deepening practical cooperation between the two countries, benefiting both peoples significantly. Recent collaborative projects include infrastructure developments such as the Juba Bridge and Regent Road. Furthermore, Sierra Leone has begun exporting Wild Aquatic Products to China, thanks to China's zero-tariff treatment for African nations, while bilateral cooperation in healthcare and people-to-people exchanges continues to flourish.
Despite these changes, three elements have remained constant. The first is the enduring bond between the peoples of China and Sierra Leone, exemplified by mutual support during the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic. The second is the unwavering political support between the nations, with Sierra Leone consistently backing China's core interests and China supporting Sierra Leone's development path and role in multilateral platforms.
The third unchanging aspect is the shared commitment to upholding international fairness and justice while promoting global common development. As developing countries, China and Sierra Leone have advocated for the interests of developing nations and contributed to building a China-Africa community with a shared future.
Ambassador Zhao emphasized the strategic guidance from both countries' leaders, maintaining high-level momentum in China-Sierra Leone relations and steady progress in cooperation. He expressed a commitment to deepening traditional friendship, expanding practical cooperation, and elevating relations to new heights, ensuring the fruits of cooperation benefit both nations and contribute to a shared future for all.