Celebrating China’s 60 years at the embassy’s residence, the Ambassador Qiu Shaofang said China will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy of peace, and will implement the strategy of openness for mutual benefit and a win-win progress.
He said they will continue to work with other countries to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common development. “As China develops itself, the Chinese people will continue to provide assistance and support of our African friends”, the Ambassador said.
Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949, under the Communist Party of China, and under the leadership of Mao Zedong, the people have blazed a path of development with Chinese characteristics, and thereby, made great achievements that captured the whole world’s attention.
China’s comprehensive national strength has noticeably grown, and the life of the Chinese people has remarkably improved. “Today a vigorous and confident socialist China is standing rock-firm in the East”, Ambassador Shaofang said.
The Ambassador said he feels very pleased to celebrate such anniversary with friends and other Chinese people in Sierra Leone, and extended his heartfelt thanks to everyone for their presence in marking the anniversary.
Since 1978, China has followed the socialist planned economy, which provided a foundation for sustainable development of the Chinese economy. Since 1978, under the leadership of Deng Shaopeng, China implemented the reform and opening-up policy, which has made the economy and social development ranked among the highest in the world.
30 years of opening-up has made great achievements in development, however, China is still a developing country facing many difficulties and problems, particularly the uneven development between urban and rural areas and among different regions.
The government is working assiduously to achieve greater progress and make the country more harmonious and ensure a better life for all Chinese people.
Ambassador Qiu Shaofang said China and Sierra Leone has enjoyed a long history of friendship since it was established 38 years ago, the friendship has been continuously consolidated and developed, as both countries have been supporting each other.
“Sierra Leone supported the restoration of China’s lawful seat in the UN and they have always supported the one China policy. Also China has undertaken more than 40 projects in Sierra Leone and donated 23 batches of materials.”
The Minister of Defence Alfred Paulo Conteh who deputised the President commended China for its unflinching support to Sierra Leone and pledged to continue to support China in every sphere. He congratulated the Ambassador and members of the Chinese family in Sierra Leone and hoped that the relationship will grow from strength to strength.
By Austin Thomas