On the morning of August 4, 2003, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held talks with Momodu Koroma, visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone. The two sides exchanged opinions on bilateral relations and issues of common concern.

Li said that since China and Sierra Leone forged diplomatic relations 32 years ago, bilateral relations have always advanced on a sound and stable track, with fruitful cooperation in various fields and mutual support and coordination in international affairs. The Chinese side thanked the government of Sierra Leone for its firm adherence to the One China policy. Li said that the Chinese government cherishes China-Sierra Leone friendly relations of cooperation and is willing to make joint efforts with Sierra Leone to push forward bilateral relations. To this end, Li raised three proposals, first, maintain friendly exchanges and increase mutual understanding; second, strengthen cooperation in international affairs and join hands in safeguarding the rights and interests of developing countries; third, expand fields of cooperation to promote common prosperity.

On China's policy towards Africa, Li said that the Chinese government will always follow the basic principles of sincere friendship, treating each other as equals, solidarity, cooperation, common development and gearing towards the future in treating relations with Africa in order to vigorously push forward the development of the long-term, stable, equal and reciprocal new partnership between China and Africa. Li said that the second ministerial meeting of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this December will focus on new ideas and measures on the deepening of cooperation in the fields of human resources tapping, agriculture, infrastructure building, health care and sanitation, investment and trade. Li described it as a major event in the history of China-Africa relations. He said that it is believed the meeting will achieve anticipated results with the joint efforts of China and Africa, so as to write down a new chapter for the friendly cooperation between the two sides.

Koroma thanked the Chinese government for its long-term support and assistance offered to Sierra Leone. He hoped the two sides would strengthen cooperation in the fields of agriculture and technology. He noted that Sierra Leone will unswervingly adhere to the One China policy.