China stands ready to work with Sierra Leone to strengthen the alignment of development strategies and implement projects related to the economy and people’s livelihood to continuously improve people’s well-being, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.
Xi made the remarks during a meeting with President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Xi noted that FOCAC has become an effective mechanism for advancing practical cooperation between China and Africa and a fine example of South-South cooperation. He expressed the belief that with joint efforts from both sides, the summit will make new contributions to the modernization of African countries and the building of a China-Africa community with a shared future.
The Chinese president called on China and Sierra Leone to firmly stand together on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns.
China is ready to carry out exchanges of experience in state governance with Sierra Leone and deepen cooperation in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, resources and energy, he said.
Xi also said China looks forward to strengthening coordination and cooperation with Sierra Leone under multilateral frameworks, such as the United Nations, promote unity and cooperation among countries in the Global South, and advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all to safeguard the interests of Africa and developing countries.
For his part, Bio said Sierra Leone appreciates China’s support for his country’s economic development, expressing hope to further maintain close cooperation in areas including agriculture and security.
Hailing a series of major global initiatives proposed by Xi, he said Sierra Leone is willing to enhance international multilateral collaboration with China.
The Sierra Leonean side firmly adheres to the one-China policy and will continue to be China’s trustworthy friend, he added.