China Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Cheng Wenju, has lauded the bilateral relationship between China and Sierra Leone dating back to 1971 when the Sierra Leone government was part of other countries that advocated to the United Nations to recognise China as the legitimate representative of the Chinese people at the world’s highest body.

At a press briefing held at the Embassy’s Spur Road Office in the Capital Freetown, the Chinese Ambassador line up the infrastructural developments so far the China government has implemented in the country.

He said some of this infrastructural development include the construction of the ultra-modern national stadium, the military headquarters at Cockeril, Youyi Building housing most of the government ministries, the Mange and Kambia bridges, northern Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Police headquarters, the Dodo hydro-electric dam that is supplying electricity to Kenema in the eastern province and Bo in the southern province to name but a few.

In his address, the Sierra Leone Information and Communications Minister, Ibrahim Ben Kargbo told the audience that he has been to China twice adding that China has development so rapidly than other countries.

“I have been impressed by the rapid development strides of the people of China making a once sleepy country into a robust economic centre”, he opined.
The Information Minister intimated that if the country follows the foot step of the Chinese people in terms of their good and hard work the Sierra Leone will definitely develop.

“I want to appeal to the Chinese Ambassador on behalf of his government to help improve journalism in the country as was one of President Ernest Bai Koroma’s policies”, he said.

The Minister further said that the recent signing of agreements in China in recent times aimed at improving the telecommunications system in the country adding that already plans are underway to modernise the industry as a vehicle for economic growth.

“The Chinese government has expressed willingness to help our country develop. The friendship between Sierra Leone and China is that of the mutual understanding and respect guarantying that it is bound to grow stronger in the years’ ahead”, he added.

“I also want to assure the Chinese Ambassador that our country, under the leadership of President Ernest Bai Koroma will maintain the one China policy which recognizes main land China as the sole representative of the Chinese people”, he concluded.