Minister of Information and Communications Mohamed Bangura who has just returned from China has lauded them for their recovery support to Sierra Leone after the ebola.
In an interview with the minister on the 45th anniversary of Sino-Sierra Leone relations, he said what Sierra Leone has benefitted in 45 years has been uncountable and worthy.
The minister lauded the long outstanding relations between both countries and acknowledged the many contributions made by China, particularly to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation during the ebola and their plan to build a new ministerial building for Health at New England.
“When the ebola struck it was the Chinese that first came to our aid with so much support ranging from medical supplies to bio-safety lab. Now that the virus had been destroyed, they have come again to help us in our recovery process and to work with us to eleiminate the virus from this land.”
He also called on the Chinese to invest more in Agriculture as the country is pushing towards food security. “The quantum of money we spend on rice importation is killing us, so if we can produce even 50 percent of our staple food it will help us save enough foreign exchange to be utilised in other sectors.”
Mohamed Bangura averred that the 45 years of excellent relationship between the two countries has been very fruitful and he felt it when he went to China and visited StarTimes.
“I want to make it clear that my ministry is working assidiously with StarTimes and we hope to work with them in the coming months as they have shown serious intention of helping Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, and moreover they are in more than 30 countries in Africa.”
He said as both countries are putting modalities in place to celebrate the 45 years anniversary, he is urging China not to relent in their support towards Sierra Leone but to continue to help the country in infrastructural development.
Mr Bangura said he also wants to commend Ambassador Zhao Yanbo who has been very cooperative with the Sierra Leone government and was very happy when President Koroma awarded him and President Xi jinping the highest honours of the land.
The Sino-Sierra Leone Friendly relations will be celebrated on the 29th of July.
Monday July 18, 2016
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