Sierra Leone recovers with 'help of friend'

Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma said China's decision to write off his country's debts will now give the West African republic breathing space to focus on other priorities.

China canceled that debt at the start of the president's six-day visit to the country, a visit that marked the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

"We welcome such a pronouncement because it is helping us out of a very difficult situation. Giving us this relief will help us address other important issues," Koroma said in an interview with China Daily in Beijing.