By Josephine Sesay
The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone has commemorated the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) with a colourful reception at its headquarters in Freetown, bringing together senior government officials, military commanders, diplomats, and development partners to celebrate the longstanding friendship between China and Sierra Leone.
Opening the ceremony, Senior Colonel Pu Lin, Defence Attaché at the Chinese Embassy, highlighted the remarkable achievements of the People’s Liberation Army over the past 99 years. He said the PLA has evolved into a modern, disciplined, and technologically advanced force committed to protecting China’s sovereignty, safeguarding national development, and contributing to global peace and security through peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response missions. Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, reflected on the enduring diplomatic relationship between the two countries, describing the 55-year partnership as one founded on mutual respect, trust, and shared prosperity.
Ambassador Zhao noted that cooperation between China and Sierra Leone has continued to expand across key sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, trade, security, and human resource development. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Sierra Leone’s national development agenda, adding that the friendship between the two nations continues to grow from strength to strength.
Speaking on behalf of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Major General Sahr David Ngaujah commended the People’s Liberation Army and the Government of China for their unwavering support to Sierra Leone’s defence sector.
He stated that the military partnership between the two countries has significantly enhanced the capacity and professionalism of the RSLAF through specialised military education, professional training, and technical cooperation. According to him, many Sierra Leonean military personnel have benefited from training programmes in China across various military disciplines, improving leadership, operational readiness, and institutional development. Major General Ngaujah expressed appreciation for China’s continued assistance and reaffirmed the RSLAF’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation with the People’s Liberation Army for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The reception underscored the strong and growing strategic partnership between Sierra Leone and China, with both nations reaffirming their shared commitment to enhancing diplomatic, military, and development cooperation while promoting peace, stability, and mutual prosperity.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 3rd August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
