Freetown, January, 2026 — In an attempt to deepen and broaden bilateral relations between the two nations, Amb. Zhao Yong, the recently accredited ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone, paid a courtesy call on Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas on Tuesday.
The ambassador called the visit a significant step in reviving and strengthening cooperative relations, and it demonstrated Beijing’s ongoing interest in collaborating with Sierra Leone in a variety of fields.
Ambassador Zhao began by thanking the warm reception he received and congratulating Sierra Leone on its development progress. He framed his mission around the Sierra Leone-China Strategic People Cooperative Partnership, stating that he wanted to build on the two countries’ “existing friendship and cooperation.” Amb. Zhao described his return to Sierra Leone after 16 years as reflective of China’s importance in its relationship with Freetown.
Speaker Thomas, in welcoming the ambassador, emphasised Sierra Leone’s long-standing relationship with China, which he described as spanning more than five decades. He cited Sierra Leone’s support for China’s nomination to the UN Security Council as evidence of the country’s dedication to the bilateral relationship. The Rt. Hon. Speaker also reaffirmed the identity of the Sixth Parliament as the “People’s Parliament,” drawing parallels with China’s National People’s Congress and assuring the ambassador that he would have the same strong working relationship with Parliament as his predecessor.
During the meeting, Amb. Zhao outlined priority areas for increased cooperation, including infrastructure, trade and investment, health, education, and technology. He vowed that China would continue to act as a catalyst for Sierra Leone’s development, and he stated that China understands Sierra Leone’s progress better than any Western country.
The courtesy visit concluded with a symbolic gift exchange and group photograph. Speaker Thomas invited Amb. Zhao to return to Parliament on the next adjourned date to meet with MPs. According to observers, the meeting represents a reaffirmation of the bilateral strategic partnership and an intention by both capitals to pursue closer cooperation aimed at promoting economic growth, development and regional stability.
