Ambassador Hu said China and Sierra Leone enjoy a deep traditional friendship. On July 29, 1971, the two countries formally established diplomatic ties, and over the past 48 years, the bilateral relations have been developing smoothly with close high-level exchanges, deep political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation in economic, social and cultural fields. He said in 2016, China and Sierra Leone established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
“Over the years, China has always been contributing what she can to help promote peace and stability in Sierra Leone, as well as help Sierra Leone in achieving independent and sustainable development without interfering in their internal affairs. In 2014,China was among the first to assist their Sierra Leonean brothers and sisters in the fight against Ebola, demonstrating the true spirit of sharing weal and woe.”
The new Ambassador averred that Sierra Leone has always been firmly adhering to One-China policy and consistently giving its support on issues related to China’s core interests and major concerns. The Chinese people will never forget that it was Sierra Leone and other friendly countries that helped China resume its legitimate seat in the United Nations in 1971. In a word, China and Sierra Leone are true, good friends with utmost respect that can go through thick and thin together.
“2018 has been a vital year in the development of Sino-Sierra Leone relationship. In late August and early September last year, President Bio paid a state visit to China and attended the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The two heads of state held friendly and in-depth talks and reached important consensus on major bilateral issues, which provided political guidance and set out the blueprint for the development of China-Sierra Leone relations. During the visit, the two sides signed a number of important cooperation documents including the Memorandum of Understanding on the “Belt and Road” Initiative, laying a solid foundation for the broadening and deepening of cooperation in the future.”
Ambassador Hu said he felt proud to be assigned to Sierra Leone at this important stage of the development of China-Sierra Leone relations. And he has a sense of great responsibility, following the direction set out by the two heads of state, to work with his colleagues in the Embassy and friends from all walks of life in Sierra Leone, to make new progress in China-Sierra Leone friendly cooperation and produce more benefits to the two peoples. He said the following three tasks will be his top priorities.
