In a bilateral meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Sierra Leone’s President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, held in Beijing, China on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, President Xi Jinping announced a significant aid package for Sierra Leone.
The package includes a ¥50 million economic and technical assistance, ¥20 million debt cancellation, and 1500 tonnes of food assistance.
President Xi Jinping praised the longstanding relationship between China and Sierra Leone as “an efficient cooperation,” emphasizing the various forms of assistance Sierra Leone has received from China over the years.
He expressed China’s unwavering commitment to supporting President Bio’s big five priorities and commended his leadership of the African Union’s C-10. Furthermore, President Xi Jinping assured President Bio of China’s support for Africa’s common position on reforming the Security Council.
President Bio, expressing gratitude for the generous assistance, highlighted the enduring bond between the two nations dating back to 1971.
He thanked President Xi Jinping for China’s support during UN Security Council elections and pledged Sierra Leone’s support for resolutions aimed at enhancing global peace and security.
President Xi Jinping extended an invitation to President Bio to attend the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, underscoring the significance of the relationship between the two nations. President Bio welcomed the invitation, expressing confidence that the visit would further deepen bilateral ties.
In his remarks, President Bio stated, “China has been a reliable partner of Sierra Leone. It is my conviction that this visit will deepen the bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and China.”
