President Bio Receives New Chinese Ambassador, Reaffirms Sierra Leone–China Bilateral Ties
President Julius Maada Bio on Thursday received the Letter of Credence from the newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.
At the credential ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba announced that Ambassador Zhao succeeds Wang Qing, who completed a three-year diplomatic tenure in Sierra Leone. He expressed confidence that the new envoy’s appointment would further strengthen the longstanding relations between Freetown and Beijing.
Presenting his credentials, Ambassador Zhao conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone, commending the government’s progress in social and economic governance. He praised President Bio’s role in promoting peace and stability within ECOWAS, Africa, and the wider international community, and reaffirmed China’s appreciation for Sierra Leone’s continued support for the One China Policy.
Ambassador Zhao said China remains ready to expand cooperation with Sierra Leone in areas of mutual strategic interest.
In response, President Bio thanked President Xi and the Chinese people for what he described as an enduring and reliable partnership. He highlighted China’s support for Sierra Leone’s development, particularly in infrastructure, economic growth, and social services, and urged the new ambassador to build on existing cooperation while ensuring the continuation of ongoing projects nationwide.
President Bio reaffirmed his government’s commitment to working closely with China to ensure the partnership delivers tangible benefits to both nations.
