President Bio of Sierra Leone Visits Wuhan to Deepen Cooperation with China
On March 2, President Bio of Sierra Leone arrived in Wuhan, becoming the first foreign head of state to visit China in the New Year of the Year of the Dragon. This visit marked a significant step in strengthening the ties between Sierra Leone and China, particularly in the fields of agriculture, education, and trade.
During his visit, President Bio toured the Grain Crop Research Institute of Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, where he learned about the research and development of perennial rice varieties. Bio was impressed by the potential for cooperation in the field of agriculture, as rice is a staple food in many African countries, including Sierra Leone.
In addition to exploring agricultural opportunities, President Bio also visited China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), where he was awarded an honorary doctorate. In his speech to teachers and students, Bio highlighted the benefits Sierra Leone has received from participating in the “Belt and Road” initiative and expressed his desire to deepen the partnership between universities in the two countries.
The visit culminated in the signing of a cooperation agreement between China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) and Sierra Leone’s Kono University of Science and Technology, further solidifying the educational ties between the two nations.
President Bio’s visit to Wuhan underscored the longstanding friendship between Sierra Leone and China, as well as the potential for future collaboration in various sectors. As Bio bid farewell to Wuhan, he expressed gratitude for the warm reception and shared his excitement to bring back positive memories to Sierra Leone.