By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Wang Qing, has delivered a reflective and heartfelt farewell message as he concludes his three-year diplomatic mission in the country, highlighting what he described as a period of deepened cooperation, stronger political trust and expanding people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

Ambassador Wang Qing, who assumed office in January 2023, said he departs Sierra Leone with admiration for its resilience, progress and growing international stature. He noted that the past three years have positioned China–Sierra Leone relations as a “model of China–Africa friendship and solidarity,” reinforced by consistent high-level engagements and practical cooperation in development, trade and human resource growth.

One of the most significant highlights of his tenure was President Julius Maada Bio’s two official visits to China in 2024, an unprecedented milestone in Sierra Leone’s diplomatic history. Ambassador Wang Qing said the engagements between President Bio and Chinese President Xi Jinping led to “broad and important consensus” on further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two nations.

He stressed that China firmly supports Sierra Leone’s sovereignty, security and development interests, while expressing appreciation for Sierra Leone’s consistent and unequivocal adherence to the One-China principle. “Political mutual trust between both countries continues to deepen,” he stated.

Ambassador Wang Qing’s farewell message outlines notable progress in China-supported infrastructure and capacity-building projects. Shortly after his arrival, he attended the handover of the China-Aided Sierra Leone Foreign Service Academy. Before his departure, he witnessed the groundbreaking of the new China-Aided Industrial Fishing Port, officially named the Julius Maada Bio Industrial Fishing Port.

He emphasized that China has remained Sierra Leone’s largest trading partner and biggest source of foreign investment for many years, reflecting the “rich substance and efficiency” of ongoing cooperation.

The outgoing Ambassador praised Sierra Leone’s leadership within the United Nations Security Council, ECOWAS and the African Union’s C-10, noting that China has strongly supported Sierra Leone’s advocacy for Africa’s representation in the permanent and non-permanent categories of the UN Security Council.

“We stand together in promoting genuine multilateralism, safeguarding the interests of developing nations and defending international fairness and justice,” he said.

Ambassador Wang Qing highlighted a remarkable surge in exchanges between the two peoples. Over the past three years, nearly 20,000 Sierra Leoneans travelled to China for tourism, business and study; a historic high. More than 500 students benefited from Chinese Government scholarships, while over 2,500 professionals received training in various fields.

His deep interactions with communities across all five provinces earned him the traditional honor of Honorary Paramount Chief by the Bambara Chiefdom, an experience he said he will “forever cherish.”

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s transformation, from post-war recovery to becoming one of Africa’s most peaceful nations, Ambassador Wang expressed confidence in the country’s future trajectory.

Quoting an ancient Chinese proverb, he said: “True friendship knows no distance; even across ten thousand miles, we remain neighbors.” He thanked the Government and people of Sierra Leone for their partnership and hospitality, wishing that China–Sierra Leone friendship “lasts forever and continues to shine even brighter.” https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/chinese-ambassador-wang-qing-bids-farewell-after-strengthening-china-sierra-leone-relations/