26 January, 2021 (232News)
BENJIN – Foreign Affairs Ministry, Africa Department Director, Ambassador Wu Peng has showered praises on Sierra Leone Cultural Ambassador and philanthropist, Mariatu Kargbo popularly known as the black pearl of China.
Ambassador Wu Peng who was part of the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi five-day visit to five African countries recently spoke about the good work Maria is doing in China and the rest of Africa.
Ambassador Peng said that anAfrican proverb says, ‘Sharing the way forward is a true friend’ and that China-Africans’ perception of each other has gone from being African brothers in news broadcasts to classmates, mutually beneficial business partners and friends travelling together.
“Sierra Leonean singer Maria trekked to the disaster area at the first moment after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, taking the lead in raising money for China at the beginning of the outbreak of Coronavirus.”
Ambassador Peng who was the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone some years ago continued to say many African volunteers are actively involved in the prevention and control of outbreaks in Chinese communities and spread moving stories about China’s fight against the epidemic on social platforms.
WeChat public platforms such as Bob Africa not only bring together a group of travel enthusiasts who love Africa, but also are enthusiastic about public welfare and send warmth to the children of African orphanages. It is our greatest confidence that the people of Central Africa will forge ahead in a new era together.
Many Sierra Leoneans have confidence in the work of Maria, they described her as a true mother and a philanthropist that put her country first at all time.
Maria and team congratulated Ambassador Peng on his new appointment. They thanked him for always consider Sierra Leoneans from the first day he came to Sierra Leone.
“We want to thank him for his tremendous work in Sierra Leone and also appreciate what he is doing for the Africa continent.”
Maria footprint is not only in China but Sierra Leone and the rest of the world.
Maliya thanked the Chinese government, the Foreign Ministry, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Director-General of the African Department of the Foreign Ministry Ambassador Wu Peng for appreciating the work of foreign volunteers before and during the current pandemic.
“We will continue to promote cultural exchange, mutual understanding and love between the continents, especially China and Africa. I will continue to work as a Goodwill Ambassador alongside the Ambassadors of African countries in China. I am sending this message to all foreigners who find themselves far from home during these difficult times. Always be positive and support your communities wherever you may be! Any place you find yourself is your home! Yours”, Maliya said.
