Ambassador Foh calls for stronger Sino-Sierra Leone ties
Barely a day after his arrival in Beijing as Ambassador of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Victor Bockarie Foh has told senior officials of the Chinese Foreign Ministry that there is strong need for both Sierra Leone and China to continue working towards fostering the already existing ties which have been on for the last four decades, informing, that his appointment “as Ambassador to China takes into account the great bilateral ties existing between Sierra Leone and the Peoples Republic of China and comes at a time that I am strongly committed to further strengthen these existing ties…” (Photo: Ambassador Foh presenting copies of credentials)
He spoke on Thursday, 20th June at a function marking the official presentation of copies of letters of credence to the Deputy Director-General, Protocol Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Luo Jun. According to Ambassador Foh, he is aware of the role that China keeps playing in Africa’s development, “especially so in my country, Sierra Leone where you have done a lot in terms of supporting not just our infrastructural drive, but greatly supporting us in other areas of national development” assuring, that he will work towards not just protecting Sierra Leone’s interest in China and doing same for legitimate Chinese interest , but that “the government and people of Sierra Leone remain committed and supportive of the One-China policy.”
Ambassador Victor Bockarie Foh also delivered warm greetings and felicitations from His Excellency the President, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma, Government and people of the Republic of Sierra Leone, to His Excellency President Xi Jinping, the government and the people of the Republic of China and extended his thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Peoples Republic of China, through your esteem Department in the Foreign Ministry, for the protocol accorded me during my arrival.
Ambassador Foh also used the meeting to thank the Chinese Government, through the Foreign Ministry for all the arrangements made so far towards ensuring a successful visit by President Ernest Koroma in the coming week, saying “such a visit will further strengthen the bilateral ties between Sierra Leone and China”, whilst also stating, that he looks forward to the time he will present originals of his letters of credence and that of recall to His Excellency, President Xi Jinping of China.
Responding, Luo Jun said he was happy in meeting Ambassador Foh, hoping, his appointment will help in “improving the relationship between the two countries”, informing him that with the presentation of copies of his credence, Ambassador Foh can now start his work in Beijing. “You can now have a chance to start off your functions in China”
Sierra Leone and China, he said, “share common viewpoint and interest” and that “the Chinese dream is in line with the African dread that is working towards a better life for its people” and as such China will continue working with African countries to fulfill such a dream. “Such a dream should benefit both China and Africa”
The Deputy Director-General also told Ambassador Foh that, the most important activity for him in the coming days will be the day he present originals of letters of credence to President Xi Jinping and assured him of “working hard to coordinate with the Office of the President for such an event since the President has a busy schedule.” Giving words of assurance, the Deputy Director-General said they will do all in their limit as a ministry to support the new Ambassador “especially with your arrival few days prior to the arrival of His Excellency your President.”
Ambassador Foh in warm hand shake with Zhou Pingjian
In a related development, on the same day, Ambassador Foh also met with the Deputy Director-General, African Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zhou Pingjian. Ambassador Foh reiterated Sierra Leone’s support to the One-China policy and even dilated the long political relations between Sierra Leone and China which were commenced by then President late Siaka Stevens and Chairman Mao of China. According to Ambassador Foh, “Sierra Leone is a small country which we take pride in, but with such status, we were able to actively support China’s entrance into the UN General Assembly in 1971. That support was not misplaced and china has therefore continued to support Sierra Leone in every sector.”
Responding, Zhou Pingjian referred to Sierra Leone as a brother and comrade of China, saying “we cherish the relationship and your support to us in the UN General Assembly in 1971. He said, immediately assuming the presidency, President Xi Jinping visited Africa which was a demonstration of his warm feeling for Africa and as a result the Chinese President can do whatever he could, to move the Sino-Africa relationship and “with you(Ambassador Foh)these ties will get stronger.”
Also present at both functions was the Head of Chancery, Paul Minah.
Meanwhile, officials of the Sierra Leone Embassy in China are working assiduously toward ensuring a successful visit by President Koroma in the coming week, which is also expected to be accompanied by a number of state officials.
President Koroma will be delivering a speech, as distinguished speaker in the opening session of the World Peace Forum at Tsinghua University on June 27th.
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