On this auspicious occasion, I would like to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to all those in our two countries and other friends who have made important contributions to the development of China-Sierra Leone friendship, including all of you here at the reception today. I wish to say thank you to all the political parties, the successive governments and parliaments, the various social organizations and friends from all walks of life in Sierra Leone for their precious support to the development of China-Sierra Leone relations.
He concluded that the remarkable achievements of China-Sierra Leone relations over the past 50 years are the natural result of mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual support and mutual benefit between our two sides.
In the past 50 years, China and Sierra Leone have always respected each other in choosing a development path that suits its own national conditions, never interfered into each other’s internal affairs and never imposed one’s will onto the other. China has never attached any political strings to its aid to Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone has firmly adhered to the one-China principle.
In the past 50 years, China and Sierra Leone have always treated each other equally and sincerely. We have never done anything to harm or disappoint each other. As H.E. President Xi Jinping said, “China and Sierra Leone have always been good friends who stand together through thick and thin, and share weal and woe.” H.E. President Bio also said many times that Sierra Leone and China are reliable friends.
In the past 50 years, no matter how the international landscape or the domestic situations of our two countries evolve, China and Sierra Leone have always supported each other. China has actively helped Sierra Leone in promoting social economic progress and restoring peace and stability. Sierra Leone has supported the restoration of the legitimate seat of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations among other things. In the fight against Ebola, China was the first to assist Sierra Leone and now we are in solidarity against the COVID-19 pandemic. In conducting cooperation with Sierra Leone, China always follows the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith as well as the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests.
The history of China-Sierra Leone relations over the past 50 years demonstrates that China-Sierra Leone friendship is a valuable asset for both sides, both sides should always exert efforts to nurture and cultivate our cordial relations and the prospect of our relations is broad and bright because this relationship is based on equality, mutual trust, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.
