Abuja: China and the United Nations have agreed to strengthen their cooperation to support Sierra Leone’s development initiatives. The discussions took place during a courtesy call by UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana on Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Zhao Yong in Freetown, the capital city.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Wakana congratulated Zhao on his appointment and commended China’s support to Sierra Leone, particularly during the nation’s upcoming tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from 2024 to 2025. She emphasized the need for coordinated partnerships to advance Sierra Leone’s national development agenda. The UN official highlighted key areas such as constitutional reform, inclusive elections, and youth and women’s empowerment.
Wakana also underscored the significance of strengthening national data systems to facilitate evidence-based policymaking and development planning. She presented the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2025-2030, which aligns with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024-2030. Furthermore, she called for stronger collaboration with China, especially in the agricultural sector.
Chinese Ambassador Zhao Yong reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in partnership with both the government and the UN. He highlighted the more than five decades of friendship between China and Sierra Leone, emphasizing China’s focus on priorities under Sierra Leone’s ‘Big Five Game Changers,’ particularly in agriculture, health, and education. Zhao announced the imminent arrival of the 15th batch of Chinese agricultural experts to aid in agricultural development and food security.
Additionally, Zhao highlighted China’s deployment of three medical teams to Sierra Leone and its support for human capital development through various training opportunities. Both sides emphasized the importance of closer coordination among Sierra Leone, the UN, and China in advancing sustainable development, peace, and national prosperity.