Ambassador Yanbo who said he was honoured by the visit, disclosed that his diplomatic tour in Sierra Leone ends after two years and nine months, during which time he has “become familiar with this beautiful country.” He expressed satisfaction with the strengthening of bilateral relations with Sierra Leone, noting that 2016 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two.
He recalled China’s prompt response to the Ebola health emergency and happily announced that under the leadership of HE President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, the Chinese Government has embarked on a project for the establishment of a Centre for Disease Control (CDC) as a West African tropical diseases treatment centre.
The Ambassador declared that as Sierra Leone has already embarked on her development journey, Sino-Sierra Leone relations will definitely enhance that process, saying that since Parliament plays a very important role, every nation must put its parliament at the centre of her national agenda.
Hon. Sesay had earlier expressed his delight in working with the Ambassador, noting important developments undertaken through Chinese assistance. These include construction of a new administrative block, rehabilitation of Members’ seats with installation of a PA system in the Chamber; a clinic with ambulance and logistics and building staff capacity with training in China. He told the Ambassador that Parliament cherishes its relationship with them and wished him well in his next assignment.