Xi congratulates Sierra Leone leader on reelection

President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message on Tuesday to Julius Maada Bio on his reelection as president of Sierra Leone.

In his message, Xi said that China and Sierra Leone enjoy a long history of friendship, and in recent years, the two countries have continuously strengthened political mutual trust, achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation and coordinated closely on international affairs.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Sierra Leone relations and is willing to work with President Bio to promote bilateral ties.

The two countries should support each other, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and promote the continuous development of their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, bringing greater benefits to the two peoples, Xi said.

Bio, 59, has held key posts in Sierra Leone's National Provisional Ruling Council since 1992. In April 2018, he won the presidential election and was sworn in as the country's president.

This year, Sierra Leone ran its presidential, parliamentary and local council elections on June 24. The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone declared on June 27 that Bio, incumbent president and ruling Sierra Leone People's Party candidate, had won his second five-year term.

The leading presidential candidate is required to secure 55 percent of the votes cast to be declared the winner. Bio secured 56.17 percent of the total votes cast, while his top rival, All People's Congress candidate Samura Kamara, received 41.16 percent, according to the commission.

caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn