Sierra Leone has received arms from China to strengthen ties between the two countries and boost its defence capabilities.
Agence France Presse reports that Chinese ambassador Kuang Weilin presented small arms, rockets and artillery valued at $4m to the African nation.
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The arms also included assault rifles, rocket launchers, mortars and anti-aircraft artillery, together with ammunition.
A six-man Chinese contingent also provided training to a number of Sierra Leone military personnel in the use of the weapons.
Sierra Leone Defence Minister Paolo Conteh said, “This is part of the agenda to reform the military in Sierra Leone to make it a force capable of performing its mission and tasks.”
China has been maintaining good ties with Sierra Leone and has contributed to its military since 1987.
