Extolling Sino-Liberia Relations Again
In less than a decade now, Sino-Liberia relations continue to be characterized by tangible achievements. Even though at the core of such diplomatic relations is mutual respect, the developments which accompany such mutual respect only further cementing the ties. This is exactly what the current Sino-Liberia relations speak to, under the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Administration. While the relationship may be on the basis of reciprocity, the dividends accrue by Liberia from its diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China are even beyond praises. It is no secret that just less than a decade, the PRC has immensely contributed to the socioeconomic and infrastructure development of Liberia to include education and health.
Opportunities for Liberians to study in China at all levels, the construction of the new academic and administrative University of Liberia complex at Fendell in Bensonville, Montserrado County, as well as the Jackson F. Doe Hospital in Tappita, Nimba County to name a few by the Chinese Government, are all the fruits of the diplomatic relations Liberia has with the People’s republic of China. Just the other day-Wednesday, February 26, 2014, there was a great leap towards this diplomatic cordiality – the official presentation of more than Four-Million United States Dollar worth of engineering equipment to the Armed Forces of Liberia or AFL to boost its capacity.
To further compliment the equipment, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Zhang Yue announced the arrival of a Chinese engineering team in Liberia to provide technical training for the AFL to utilize the equipment. As we join President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and the Government and people of Liberia in expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of the People’s republic of China for such huge move towards progress in our relationship, we can hope that the assurance given by the Defense Minister Brownie Samukai that the equipment would be maintained and utilized in the interest of the citizenry.
As we hope for the foregoing, we also appeal to our representative and Senators to give credence to any additional allocation by the Ministry of National Defense aimed at the maintenance/operation of the equipment to prove to the Chinese people that Liberians do appreciate the donation and are capable enough to ensure their maintenance for their own good. Again, we commend the Government and people of the People’s republic of China, through His Excellency, Ambassador Zhang Yue for the donation.
