“Sierra Leone & China Relationship…Forward Ever Backward Never” – Says Professor Francis
By Lansana Fofanah
The book titled: China-Sierra Leone Relations: Friendship, Cooperation & Win-Win Diplomacy, was launched on the 8th of January 2025 at the Chinese Embassy in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The first-of-its-kind well-researched work was pioneered by the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor David J. Francis with intellectual contributions from renowned political and diplomatic writers in the history of the country including the well-respected historian writer Professor Joe A.D. Ali.
During the historic launching of the book, Professor Francis delved into the long-standing bilateral cooperation between Sierra Leone and China with decades of true friendship, mutual respect for both sovereignties, and a win-win diplomatic cooperation.
“Why is this book important & why Sierra Leone is important to China and why is China important to Sierra Leone? I am sure you must have wondered why Sierra Leone, a small, relatively poor & underdeveloped country, with a population of 7.8 million and GDP of $4 Billion is important to a major Superpower like China, with a population 1.4 Billion & a GDP of $17.9 Trillion? The answer to these valid questions is why this book has been published to answer all these probing questions,” Professor Francis said.
In his analysis, Professor Francis said that despite the numerous infrastructural projects undertaken by the Chinese in Sierra Leone, much has not been said about them and how both countries have come of age with development and progress.
He therefore thanked China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and His Excellency Ambassador Wang for supporting the idea of the book which will enlighten the world about the true bond between China and Sierra Leone.
Professor Francis assured distinguished guests that the book will be available in all public spaces and learning centers to widen the knowledge of Sierra Leoneans.
Sierra Leones Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, thanked Professor David Francis for his professional work in showcasing the greatness between the two nations, noting that the book has awakened historic facts between the two nations.
He further thanked former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, professor Francis and his Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for taking Sierra Leone back to the UN Security Council after years.
Alhaji Timothy Kabba thanked the Government and people of China for standing by Sierra Leone through difficult times.
The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Wang Qing, appreciated Professor David Francis and team for such a thoroughly researched work which has given the true meaning of the relationship between China and Sierra Leone.
Ambassador Wang said that both countries remain committed to the true aspirations of the founding fathers.
From diplomacy, trade and investment, politics, human capital development, the newly-launched book, captured historic moments between China and Sierra Leone for the past decades and how both past and present leaders have maintained bilateral relations based on a win-win situation.
The ceremony was climaxed by government officials and distinguished guests sharing their long-term experience on relationship between China and Sierra Leone.
News 24 publication
