China commends Sierra Leone’s democratic credentials
Sierra Leone, once known for her history of a decade long civil war, has once again come under the spotlight, but this time, with positive commendations from the world’s second largest economy, the People’s Republic of China for her steady progress in the maintenance of democratic principles and good governance as well as for her peaceful atmosphere over the years. (Photo: l-r Deputy Director-General for African Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the People’s Republic of China, Zheng Zhuqiang and Abubakarr Multi-Kamara, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to China wrapping up their discussions)
Speaking on Tuesday, 8th May, during a courtesy call by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to China Abubakarr Multi-Kamara, the Deputy Director-General for African Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the People’s Republic of China, Zheng Zhuqiang spoke of China’s impression and happiness, that Sierra Leone has in recent years, been peaceful and that the practice of democracy and good governance in the country has been very encouraging. According to Mr. Zhuqiang, their Foreign Affairs Minister visited Sierra Leone two years ago and “had a very good impression about the country.” The Deputy Director-General also expressed hope, that the pending November presidential and Parliamentary elections will be peaceful.
Zheng Zhuqiang also informed Ambassador Abubakarr Multi-Kamara that China and Sierra Leone have been good friends for years. “We have been working with the African continent for years and Sierra Leone, being a friend, has always worked with us and I want to assure you of our cooperation and support to you as Ambassador” he assured. Since the People’s Republic of China takes Sierra Leone as a good friend in the African continent, the Deputy Director-General said, they (China) look forward to continue with the cooperation between the two countries economically as they have been involved in Sierra Leone’s reconstruction efforts.
He also commended Sierra Leone for her role in support of the one-China policy. “Our cooperation with Sierra Leone has a promising future as our economic cooperation is the main content of our relationship as well as the cultural cooperation. We have many projects in Sierra Leone and the new airport project is underway”, he stated. He also informed the Ambassador about preparations by the People’s Republic of China for the pending Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting this year and informed that an invitation has been extended to Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He wished Ambassador a happy and successful stay in the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking earlier, His Excellency Ambassador Abubakarr Multi-Kamara conveyed heartfelt greetings and felicitations from His Excellency the President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Koroma, his Government and the people of Sierra Leone to his colleague His Excellency, President Hu Jintao, his Government and the people of the Peoples Republic of China. He informed the Deputy Director-General, that his appointment to China as Ambassador by President Koroma is a great opportunity that comes with huge challenges and that it was a deliberate one as he has come to restore the confidence that once existed between the two countries and to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.
According to Ambassador Abubakarr Multi-Kamara, he is aware of the special ties that exist between the two countries and also conscious of the role that Sierra Leone played, in terms of ensuring China’s entrance into the United Nations by casting its vote in its (China) favor. He specifically also paid tribute to the Deputy-Director, on behalf of Sierra Leoneans for the tremendous role that China is today playing in the development strides of Sierra Leone, “since China has a special role in the full implementation of the President’s Agenda for Change especially in the growth and human development sectors.”
Speaking further, Ambassador Multi-Kamara informed the Foreign Ministry official that he will be happy to learn better ways of strengthening the already existing relation between Sierra Leone and China “which also hinges on our (Sierra Leone) commitment to continue to uphold the one-China policy.”
On the pending November elections, Ambassador Multi-Kamara spoke with confidence that they will be peaceful as Sierra Leone is now consolidating the peace and other democratic gains, made over the years. On President Koroma’s Agenda for Change, Ambassador Multi-Kamara informed the Chinese Foreign Ministry Deputy Director-General for African Affairs that there has been tremendous progress in this direction and that “it is the hope of Sierra Leone that by 2023, we will move away from least developed nation to something very encouraging and by 2050, we should be in a position to help other nations.”
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