On July 9, the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone held a cultural gala to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone and mark the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. H.E. Ambassador Zhao Yong, Hon. Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and Hon. Alghali, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone, attended the event and delivered speeches. Also present were many cabinet members including Hon. Wurie, Minister of Higher Education, Hon. Dugba, Minister of Fisheries, and Hon. Massaquoi, Deputy Minister of Defence, as well as representatives from the Sierra Leonean Parliament, friendly organizations, and Chinese institutions and enterprises in Sierra Leone, totaling over 200 attendees.

Ambassador Zhao noted that over the past 55 years since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, China and Sierra Leone have always respected and supported each other, yielding fruitful cooperation outcomes across various fields. China stands ready to work with Sierra Leone to take the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, carry forward the time-honored bilateral friendship, and deepen practical cooperation between the two countries.

The Sierra Leonean side expressed gratitude for China’s long-term selfless assistance to Sierra Leone’s economic and social development. It reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle, and stated its readiness to further strengthen practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges with China to advance bilateral relations to new heights.

As one of the series of activities celebrating the 55th anniversary of China-Sierra Leone diplomatic relations and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, the gala was undertaken by the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone. The event was permeated with a warm and festive atmosphere, winning continuous applause from the audience.