By Dan Samura
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone has hosted a high-level symposium and reception in Freetown, bringing together young leaders, diplomats, and government officials to deepen bilateral relations and promote youth engagement.
The event, held at the Ministry of Youth Affairs (MoYA), also marked Sierra Leone’s Independence Day, serving as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, welcomed the Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, alongside other distinguished guests and youth participants.
In his remarks, Ambassador Zhao highlighted the enduring and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries, reaffirming China’s commitment to supporting youth empowerment and national development.
“Sierra Leone and China enjoy a strong and enduring partnership built on mutual respect and shared development goals. We remain committed to deepening this cooperation, particularly in empowering young people who are central to the future of our nations,” he said.
Minister Sannoh expressed appreciation for China’s continued support, particularly in initiatives targeting youth development, skills training, and innovation.
“We sincerely appreciate the consistent support from the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone. We look forward to further strengthening this partnership to create more opportunities that will empower our youth and accelerate national development,” he added.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from both sides to expand cooperation and invest in youth-driven development, with participants highlighting the importance of translating dialogue into tangible opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
