On December 21, 2020, the launch ceremony of the China-aided construction of a diplomatic training school was held in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. President Bio, Chief Minister David J. Francis, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Nabeela Tunis, and a number of other cabinet ministers and deputy ministers of Sierra Leone joined Ambassador Hu Zhangliang and Economic and Commercial Counselor Du Zijun of Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, diplomats from several other countries to Sierra Leone, and representatives of Chinese enterprises involved in the project to attend the ceremony.  

Source: Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Sierra Leone

China Qiyuan, a subsidiary of CECEP, undertakes design and management of the project. Covering a total floor space of 4,500 square meters, the project includes standard classrooms, computer classrooms, audio-visual classrooms, conference rooms, an academic lecture hall, a library, and a multimedia reading room, as well as supporting facilities such as administrative offices, catering service rooms, equipment rooms, a concierge, squares, roads, enclosing walls and parking lots. It will also provide office and teaching furniture, multimedia digital teaching equipment and kitchen equipment. The construction period is 15 months. 

The project is Sierra Leone’s first diplomatic training school to be built with assistance from the Chinese government. After completion, it is expected to cultivate more professional diplomats for Sierra Leone so as to promote the African country’s relations and cooperation with the rest of the world.