By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt, has bid farewell to the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Hu zhangliang, saying that the Chinese Embassy’s support has contributed immensely to the developing tourism sector in Sierra Leone.
In his remarks, Ambassador Hu Zhangliang noted that during his tenure of duty in Sierra Leone he received the general support of the Ministry and was glad that the cooperation between the two sides has yield fruitful results. He maintained that he enjoyed the friendly relationship and hospitality of the people of Sierra Leone for which he was grateful. He commended the government for creating the conducive conditions for development and for the people’s wellbeing.
He said that the achievements of the government are numerous and tangible, and added that they cannot be overstressed.
He predicted a further strengthening of the bi-lateral and cultural relationships between the two countries.
On her part, Dr. Memunatu Pratt thanked the Ambassador for his immense contributions the Chinese made to the Tourism sector, a boost which she said came at a time when the industry was in a desperate position to find friends.
She mentioned that because the Ambassador understood the urgent need for progress in the tourism the Chinese Embassy held the Ministry of Tourism in high esteem and collaborated with it on a number of activities was done between the Ministry and the Embassy.
She appreciated the Chinese Government’s facilitation of visists for representatives of the Ministry of Tourism to China during the Tenure of Ambassador Zhangliang to attend cultural events, which strengthened the Ministry’s relationship with the Confucius Institute. She added that the provision of two tour buses to the sector had given the Tourism Ministry more impetus to take the sector to higher heights. She applauded Ambassador Hu for being an excellent diplomat who has carried himself with humility, and for also always lending a listening ear. On behalf of the Government and People of Sierra Leone Dr. Pratt wished Ambassador Hu the very best in his next diplomatic assignment.