By: Amara Kargbo

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, and H.E. Wang Qing, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, signed an agreement to enhance economic and technical cooperation between their governments.

This significant event took place on the 8th January, 2025 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and China.

During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Wang emphasized that the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement signifies the beginning of a crucial year for both nations. He highlighted the commitment made by President Xi Jinping to provide substantial new assistance, reinforcing the collaborative efforts aimed at implementing the outcomes of recent high-level discussions.

Kai S. Brima, Director of Middle East and Asia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided context for the agreement, noting that it follows a pledge made during the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, where China committed 200 million yuan to support Sierra Leone’s development initiatives. This formal agreement underscores the importance of the partnership in driving forward development projects.

Minister Kabba explained the significance of the agreement, which aligns with shared goals established during a recent visit by Sierra Leone’s President to China. He pointed out key areas of focus, including mutual learning, rural development, security cooperation, digital connectivity, healthcare, and industrial collaboration.

The Minister emphasized that the partnership aims to bolster Sierra Leone’s development and its integration into the global economy while promoting a unified approach to international governance and defense cooperation.

Reflecting on the historical ties between Sierra Leone and China, the Minister noted the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1991 and how these connections have strengthened over the years. He reiterated the importance of ongoing cooperation in vital sectors and praised Chinese leaders for their support, highlighting the mutual benefits derived from the relationship.

Minister Kabba reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to the One China principle and expressed gratitude for China’s backing of Sierra Leone’s interests in international forums, particularly within the UN Security Council.