China, Sierra Leone agree to advance ties

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (R) meets with visiting Sierra Leonean Foreign Minister Samura Kamara (L) in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 6, 2013. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi met Wednesday with visiting Sierra Leonean Foreign Minister Samura Kamara and the two sides agree to work for closer relations.

Yang said China and Sierra Leone have maintain good relations since the two countries established diplomatic relations 42 years ago, and that bilateral relations have been particularly warm in recent years.

China will work with Sierra Leone to implement consensus reached between the two countries' presidents in June this year and advance bilateral relations to a more fruitful future, he said.

Kamara said his country attaches importance to relations with China and appreciates China's selfless assistance to its development, adding the west African nation is ready to push bilateral relations to a higher level.

The two sides also discussed international and regional issues of common concern, according to diplomats who attended the meeting.