BY IBRAHIM JOENAL SESAY (232news.com)
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Sierra Leone bade farewell to the 6th Chinese Military Medical Expert Group to Sierra Leone.
At a colourful ceremony which saw presentation of certificates and dinner was held on Monday 29th May 2023 at the premises of the Embassy, Spur Loop, Wilberforce.
In his address, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Ambassador Wang Qing, said the presence of the Deputy Minister and senior officials from the military clearly indicates that the Sierra Leonean government and people, particularly the Ministry of Defence and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) highly recognize the contribution of the Chinese team.
He added that it also clearly indicates that H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, as Commander-in-Chief of the RSLAF attaches great importance to the development of close relations between the two countries and two armed forces.
The 6th Chinese Military Medical Expert Group, he went on was dispatched to Sierra Leone in February 2022 for enhancing military medical cooperation between our two sides. The cooperation dates back to 2015, when the Chinese side came to help Sierra Leone in fighting against Ebola. All the members of the Chinese Military Medical Expert Group are carefully selected from the People’s Liberation Army of China. They have proven with solid actions that they love Sierra Leone and they are serious with their lofty mission here.
“Over the past year, they have been working side by side with their Sierra Leonean counterparts at the Tropical Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control Center (IDPC) at the 34 Military Hospital. They have exerted immense efforts in helping the Sierra Leonean side screen, prevent and control all kinds of epidemics.” Ambassador Qing stated.
Adding that “They have exchanged experience and expertise with the Sierra Leonean colleagues by discussing difficult cases and providing guidance to technicians. They have upgraded the software and hardware of Infectious Diseases Surveillance System, helping turn the clinical laboratory of 34 Hospital into one of the most advanced labs in Sierra Leone. They have visited the villages to offer free consultation and medicines to patients in need.”
He disclosed that the Team have worked with University of Sierra Leone, Njala University, Connaught Hospital, handling eight thousand samples from all over the country, and gave a thorough detection on eight kinds of infectious diseases in Sierra Leone. In particular, they identified anthrax last year and immediately informed the Sierra Leonean Government which responded swiftly to control the spread of this dreadful disease.
“Their dedication and hard work vividly demonstrate the genuine friendship between China and Sierra Leone. They have endeavored to contribute to the building of an even stronger China-Africa Community with a Shared Future proposed by H.E. President Xi Jinping and supported by Sierra Leone,” he stated.
According to him the two armed forces are peace-loving armies with fraternal ties, as over the years, they have carried out fruitful cooperation in various fields including but not limited to medical and healthcare, utilities construction, equipment supply, personnel training, among others.
“Last year, the brand new China Aided Myohaung Officers’ Mess and Single Officers’ Quarters were commissioned by H.E. President Maada Bio. A batch of machinery, vehicles and engineering equipments were donated and delivered by the PLA to the RSLAF, boosting the morale of soldiers and contributing to the consolidation of peace, security in this country. Last month, President Bio commissioned the Type-C vessel to the maritime wing and named it “Madam Yoko” to remember the great female leader in the history of Sierra Leone. Several weeks ago, our two sides coordinated closely to help identify and locate a hijacked cargo ship in the Gulf of Guinea. This is another vivid example of the trust and cooperation between our two countries and two armies. Looking forward, we will work more closely together in the years to come to achieve more tangible results,” Ambassador stated.
He further stated that since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1971, China-Sierra Leone relations have reached an all-time high level and become a model for China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation. Our relations based on mutual respect, equality, mutual trust, mutual support and win-win cooperation have grown even stronger.
“Under the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and President Bio, we will continue to enhance the mutual understanding of our two peoples, deepen the traditional friendship between the two countries, and push forward the China-Sierra Leone friendship and cooperation to a new level, bringing more benefits to the people of both countries. Now may I propose a toast to bid farewell to the 6th Chinese military medical experts, and to the health of everyone. Long live the friendship between China and Sierra Leone!” he concluded.
Sierra Leone Deputy Minister of Defence Col. (Rtd) Muana Massaquoi, spoke about the long standing relationship between Sierra Leeone and China which he described as a fruitful one.
He also spoke about China direct supports to Sierra Leone such as Youyi building, National Stadium the Foreign Service Academy among others and the immense contribution of Chinese companies into the Sierra Leone economy,
State of the earth infection disease facility for the country during Ebola and
the provision of the Chinese military expert group from the People’s Liberation Army.
According to the Deputy Minister each group have left a mark in Sierra Leone health system, they gone beyond their mandate by reaching out to other crisis such as the anthrax disease in 2022.
He assured the Ambassador and team that their collaboration will continue to be strength and stand the test of time.
He ended with a Chinese proverb which says “Old friends and old wine are best, everything is new but not friendship.”
Chinese Military Medical Expert Group Leader Mi Zhiqiang, disclosed that they have spent 14 months in Sierra Leone and upgraded health software systems for the country.
He spoke about the joint effort they have and how they enjoy working with the Sierra Leone military team.
He thanked them for their support and for making their mission successful.
The Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Peter Lavahun, Commanding Officer of the Joint Medical Unit Dr. Stephen Sevalie among others were present at the ceremony.
