By: The Nature Newspaper
On Wednesday, 16th September 2026, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone hosted a grand reception to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The elegant event, held at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown, brought together nearly 400 distinguished guests in a warm and festive atmosphere that reflected the deep and enduring friendship between China and Sierra Leone. Among the attendees were H.E. Ambassador Zhao Yong, senior Sierra Leonean government officials led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Jeneba J. Bangura, more than fifteen cabinet ministers, Heads of Department and Agencies, representatives from the security Sectors, ruling party, members of the diplomatic community, and Chinese resident in Sierra Leone. In his keynote address, Ambassador Zhao Yong reviewed China’s remarkable achievements over the past 77 years since the founding of the People’s Republic on 1 October 1949. He highlighted the country’s steady progress in modernization, economic development, and its growing role on the global stage. The Ambassador particularly elaborated on the four Global Initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping and China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries, underscoring Beijing’s commitment to mutual benefit, shared development, and a community with a shared future for mankind.
Ambassador Zhao emphasized that 2026 also marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone (29 July 1971). He expressed China’s readiness to seize this milestone as an opportunity to elevate the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to new heights, building on decades of mutual respect, solidarity, and practical cooperation across politics, trade, infrastructure, health, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Speaking on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Deputy Minister Jeneba J. Bangura extended warm congratulations on China’s National Day. She spoke highly of China’s extraordinary development achievements and the tangible results of China-Sierra Leone cooperation. The Deputy Minister reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s firm adherence to the one-China principle and expressed the strong expectation for continued steady progress in bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both nations. The reception unfolded in a joyful and celebratory spirit. Guests enjoyed wonderful Chinese cultural performances that showcased the richness of Chinese traditions.
Attendees praised China’s modernization drive and voiced their shared commitment to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The evening served as a vivid demonstration of the time-tested partnership between China and Sierra Leone a relationship that has stood the test of time and continues to deliver concrete benefits through infrastructure projects, trade growth, educational exchanges, and people-to-people ties. As both countries look ahead, the celebration of China’s 77th National Day anniversary in Freetown reaffirmed a shared vision of deeper collaboration, mutual support, and a brighter future together. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone once again proved itself a bridge of friendship, culture, and partnership on this special occasion. Additionally, Shout Climate Change Africa (SCCA) team headed by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer Finnex J. Asibor graced the event as part of SCCA’s friendship with the embassy.
