Paynesville, Liberia – On Monday, April 1, 2024, Cllr. J. Cole Bangalu, the Minister of Youth and Sports, had a courtesy call from Yin Chengwu, the New Chinese Ambassador accredited to Monrovia, in his Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex Office in Paynesville.
During the one-hour visit, the two officials got to know one another better as a new Chinese diplomat stationed close to Monrovia and a new minister of youth and sports, respectively.
Amb. Chengwu congratulated Minister Bangalu on his appointment as Minister of Youth and Sports at the acquaintance meeting. It is worth noting that the Ministry of Youth and Sports have had a long and robust partnership with the Chinese government.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Cllr. J. Cole Bangalu, welcomed the Chinese Ambassador and stated that he had a duty to uphold the qualities of integrity, credibility, and accountability, in his capacity as Minister.
Minister Bangalu recapped the lengthy history of ties between China and Liberia, highlighting the infrastructure and human resource development that China has provided to Liberia.
He claimed that China’s support has made it possible for Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports to continue operating since, in contrast to earlier times, Liberia is now able to organize international matches and let other neighboring countries to use the facilities to celebrate their international events.
The minister highlighted that the construction of the new Monrovia Vocational Training Center complex has enhanced the technical vocational education and training sector in Liberia, among other contributions made by the Chinese government to the country.
He also talked about the numerous Chinese scholarships that young Liberians have been given and continue to be given, some of which are given to those who have already made major contributions to their nation’s society.
Explaining some additional challenges regarding the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex facility to the Chinese Ambassador, Minister Bangalu told Ambassador Yin Chengwu that Liberia cannot play night games because there is no digital lighting system at the SKD; the current system is analog and does not meet the new regulations. He underlined that this poses a serious challenge to the Ministry and the government as a whole.
According to the Chinese diplomat, relations between China and Liberia are now improving and gaining steam as both nations work to fortify their bilateral ties.
Speaking with much affection, the Chinese Ambassador emphasized that the Chinese President, Xi Jinping and President Boakai have been friends long ago.
A group of young Liberians has been invited by the People’s Republic of China Embassy through its ambassador to take part in the Second Belt and Road International Skills Competition. The competition is being organized by the Chinese government and is set to take place in Chongqing, China, on June 24–26, 2024.
The message states that eighteen talents, including electronics, logistics, maintenance and repair, and freight forwarding, would be covered in the competition. Installation and configuration of IT systems among the others.
The tournament will support the excellent Belt and Road collaboration and serve as a magnificent worldwide festival of skills.
