AYV News, September, 9, 2024
Presidential Spokesman, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi has said at the end of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s visit to China for the 2024 FOCAC, Sierra Leone brought home baskets of goodies, including Chinese President Xi Jinping’s announcement of $50 billion financial support for African Countries for the next three years.
Keketoma said this is $20 billion more than a pledge of $30 billion that was announced three years ago in the previous FOCAC in Dakar, Senegal.
He said the Government of Sierra Leone also signed a $50 million Agreement on SMART Sierra Leone Project and an Agreement on Digital Village Project to interface agriculture and technology in Torma Bum.
In addition, Keketoma said Mineral Wealth Fund Sierra Leone Limited also signed a Landmark Framework Agreement to expand the mining sector through significant investment in Tonkolili Iron Ore deposits and critical infrastructure.
According to Keketoma, the Chinese Government awarded International Fish Export Certificate to Sierra Leone after 14 years of waiting and also will increase Development Assistance to Sierra Leone this year to the tune of 200 million Chinese yuan.
In Beijing also, President Xi Jinping praised the leadership of President Bio and reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing cooperation between China and Sierra Leone.
President Jinping expressed his appreciation for President Bio’s contributions to global peace and security, particularly highlighting his recent successful presidency of the United Nations Security Council.
President Xi commended President Bio for his steadfast leadership of the African Union’s C-10 and reiterated China’s support for Africa’s call for reform of the UN Security Council.
On a bilateral level, President Xi Jinping pledged to bolster cooperation between China and Sierra Leone across various sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, mining, infrastructure development, resource lending initiatives, and security.
Additionally, President Xi announced an increase in Chinese development assistance to Sierra Leone.
In response, President Bio expressed his gratitude to President Xi Jinping for the ongoing support and assistance provided to Sierra Leone, noting significant improvements in the China-Sierra Leone relationship.
He also acknowledged the International Fish Export Certification received by Sierra Leone, emphasising that it would enhance trade relations between the two nations.
President Bio further underscored the urgent need to address the persistent security challenges in the Sahel region.
“I want to assure you that Sierra Leone will continue to be a reliable partner and a dependable friend to China,” President Bio stated.
Later, President Xi Jinping hosted President Bio and his wife, Fatima Bio, along with other Heads of State, at a banquet reception to welcome them ahead of the official opening ceremony of FOCAC.
