Sierra Leone Reaffirms Bilateral Commitment With China

Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with China, its largest trading partner. 

President Julius Maada Bio described China as a trusted and reliable development partner.

He made these remarks while receiving the letter of credence from Zhao Yong, the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone. 

President Bio said China has consistently supported Sierra Leone’s development efforts, particularly in infrastructure, economic growth and social development.

He also praised the long-standing friendship between the two countries, noting that their relationship is built on mutual respect, shared values and a win-win partnership. 

President Bio added that China’s continued assistance reflects its genuine commitment to Sierra Leone’s development agenda.

China’s New Ambassador to Sierra Leone

Image: Ambassador Zhao Yong presents his credentials to President Bio

Ambassador Zhao Yong is China’s eighteenth Ambassador to Sierra Leone. He succeeded Wang Qing, who became China’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone in 2023.

Yong, 58, was born in China and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Literature. He is a member of the Chinese Communist Party.

Presenting his credentials, Ambassador Yong expressed China’s appreciation for Sierra Leone’s consistent support for the one-China policy. 

He reiterated that Beijing remains committed to strengthening cooperation with Sierra Leone in areas of mutual and strategic interest.

Speaking to the media, Ambassador Yong said he is “honored to be appointed as the 18th Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone,” and he is “willing to work with people from all walks of life in Sierra Leone to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between China and Sierra Leone.”

China-Sierra Leone Relationship

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone in 1971.

China is Sierra Leone’s largest trading partner, with billions of dollars in imports and exports every year.

China’s bilateral trade with Sierra Leone stands at over $1.63 billion in 2023, with the majority in infrastructure and exploration of agricultural cooperation.

President Bio’s Message to Ambassador Zhao Yong

Image: President Bio (R) and Ambassador Zhao Yong (L)

President Bio encouraged Ambassador Zhao to build on the existing cooperation between both countries and to oversee the continuation of ongoing Chinese-supported development projects across Sierra Leone.

He also reaffirmed his government’s readiness to work closely with China to ensure the partnership delivers tangible benefits for both nations.

China is one of Sierra Leone’s key bilateral partners, with cooperation spanning infrastructure development, health, education and trade.