MONROVIA, Montserrado – A high-level Chinese parliamentary delegation is currently visiting Monrovia for three days, upon the invitation of the National Legislature. The Chinese Delegation is headed by Wu Weihua, vice chairman on the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

According to a release from the speaker of the House of Representatives, Bhofal Chambers, the visit aims to broaden China-Liberia legislative cooperation specifically, as well as broader China-Liberia relations.

“It will also focus on the exchange of views, parliamentary rudiments, and a possible signing of cooperation document as a blueprint to build on the counts of the existing cordial relationships between the two lawmaking bodies,” the release said.

Speaker Chambers, along with Senate President Pro Tempore Albert Chie and several lawmakers, met in a session with the delegation at the Capitol Building in Monrovia on Monday, where the speaker welcomed the delegation to Liberia.

“I am reminded that ships are not built overnight,” the speaker said. “Ships are built to sail seas and oceans. Sometimes the seas are tempestuous and sometimes seas are tranquil. Albeit, we have had our share of ups and downs. But through it all, our relationship has thrived to become rock solid.”

He conveyed Liberia’s gratitude, particularly for the many sacrifices of Chinese people, some 600 of whom, according to the speaker, were put in harm’s way as peacekeepers during the turbulent years of Liberia’s civil crisis.

“Our memories are still fresh when you assisted the Liberian Transitional Legislative Assembly with office materials and other assorted goods to enable that body to start operations,” he also disclosed.

The speaker said Liberia is also indebted to China for other specific contributions it has made to the country’s post-war recovery and development, including the construction of the US$10 million Jackson F. Doe Memorial Hospital in Nimba, construction of the engineering building and other facilities at the University of Liberia’s Fendell Campus, the renovation of the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sport Complex, the renovation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the recent construction of the Ministerial Complex, and the much-needed expansion of the Capitol Building.

The speaker also noted that the government is not only moved by hard work, but also by selfless sacrifices to humanity and the inspiration to work exceedingly hard towards changing the living standards of its citizens with urgency and certainty.

“We are legislating and enforcing laws that will promote trade and commerce, free movement of people and goods, and improving our ties with friendly nations around the globe, especially with your country which has, over the years, demonstratively displayed the truest spirit of solidarity with us,” he noted.

Speaker Chambers offered Liberia’s commitment to promoting a win-win atmosphere for both China and Liberia, their citizens, and respective national interests.

“We welcome your overture and we look forward to fruitful deliberations,” he concluded.

Featured photo by Zeze Ballah