The training brought together thirty-two (32) journalists and media officials from both the print and electronic media, who were taken through China’s challenges and successes in becoming a great nation, as well as how the Chinese media has developed over the years.
In his statement, Mr. Kamara underscored the essential role of the media in pushing for the promotion of ties with the People’s Republic of China.
According to him, there are still notions in Sierra Leone about China that are borne out of ignorance and untruth that the media should educate and accurately inform the public on.
“We would continue to represent Sierra Leone in a manner that would see more Chinese interests in our country. We are conscious of how much other African countries have benefitted from maintaining stronger ties with China,” he said.
He added that Sierra Leone, with its historic stance in support for China, should not be seen to be lagging behind.
Mr. Kamara maintained that relations between the two countries have attained a comprehensive strategic level with emphasis on win-win cooperation, adding that since 1971 the two nations have maintained cooperation ties founded on trust and truthfulness, which has soared to admirable heights.
Also speaking, President of SAPPRFT, Men Li Jun, stated that over the past 20 days journalists and media officials have learnt about Chinese society, especially the development of Chinese media, radio and television technology, as well as the development of the Internet through a variety of ways.
“We are very willing to serve as the link between you and Chinese news media organisations, actively promoting the cooperation between the news media of our two countries in the fields of programme production, technology application and personnel exchange,” he assured.
He expressed optimism that with the valuable opportunity of the seminar and the hard work of delegates, more pragmatic cooperation in various sectors between China and Sierra Leone would be achieved.
Mr. Jin said the friendship between China and Sierra Leone enjoys a long history because since the establishment of diplomatic relations 46 years ago, the two countries have achieved fruitful results in all fields, such as friendly exchanges, equal consultation, close cooperation, win-win cooperation, and common development.
On behalf of participants, Emmanuel A.B. Turay, who is the Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation, expressed gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the sustenance of the bilateral and technical cooperation agreement reached between the two countries with a view to enhancing a comprehensive and effective platform for International exchanges and win-win cooperation in the field of media.
“I must confess here that we have enjoyed the advanced professional programmes, lectures, cultural exchanges and research schedule within this three weeks period. The lecturers were well prepared and up to the task,” he said.
He added that the bilateral cooperation between the two nations will enhance cooperation among media outlets of both countries, which will be beneficial to the spreading of new thinking and enhance mutual understanding and friendship among the people and media professionals.
