Parliament Establishes Friendship Group with China to Deepen Bilateral Cooperation

The Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, has officially announced the establishment of the Sierra Leone–China Parliamentary Friendship Group, marking a significant step toward strengthening diplomatic and legislative relations between the two countries.

The announcement was made following a high-level briefing to the House in which Speaker Thomas outlined the outcomes of his recent bilateral engagement with the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone. He emphasized that the discussions reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to expanding cooperation across governance, development, and parliamentary diplomacy.

The newly established group is expected to serve as a platform for enhanced cooperation, cultural exchange, and legislative collaboration between lawmakers of Sierra Leone and China. It will also facilitate closer institutional engagement between the two parliaments in areas of mutual interest.

Addressing Parliament, Speaker Thomas highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries and urged continued support for the One China Policy, describing it as a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s growing partnership with Beijing.

He stressed that adherence to the policy remains central to sustaining and advancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in development assistance and international diplomatic engagement.

The Speaker further noted that the formation of the friendship group builds on recent diplomatic dialogues between the leadership of Parliament and officials from the Chinese Embassy in Freetown, aimed at strengthening institutional ties and expanding areas of collaboration.

The initiative is being viewed as a strategic advancement in Sierra Leone’s parliamentary diplomacy, with expectations that it will deepen economic, social, and cultural cooperation between the two nations in the coming years.