“I strongly condemn the continued arbitrary detention of 59 UN colleagues and partner personnel, as well as staff from NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions,” he told reporters after briefing the Security Council on the situation in Yemen in closed-door consultations. “I call for their immediate and unconditional release, in accordance with international law.”
In recent days, Houthi de facto authorities referred three UN personnel to a special criminal court. This referral must be rescinded, Guterres said. They have been charged in relation to their performance of UN official duties. These charges must be dropped, he said.
“The continued detention of our colleagues is a profound injustice to all those who have dedicated their lives to helping the people of Yemen. The United Nations and its partners must never be targeted, arrested, or detained in connection with their official duties. We must be allowed to perform our work without interference,” said Guterres.
In the press encounter, Guterres called for de-escalation of the tensions in Yemen.
Tensions have been simmering across Yemen, and dramatic new developments in the eastern governorates are turning up the heat, he said. “A full resumption of hostilities could have serious ramifications on regional peace and security, including on the Red Sea, in the Gulf of Aden, and in the Horn of Africa.”
Guterres urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and resolve differences through dialogue.
“Yemen needs a sustainable, negotiated political settlement — one that embraces the aspirations of all Yemenis and brings this devastating conflict to an end. Until then, the Yemeni people will continue to pay a terrible price,” he said.
“If the EU and EU Member States insist on continuing to restrict, limit, and deter the competitiveness of U.S. service providers through discriminatory means, the United States will have no choice but to begin using every tool at its disposal to counter these unreasonable measures,” said the USTR in a post on the social platform X.
According to the USTR, potential countermeasures could include assessing fees or imposing restrictions on foreign services. The agency also warned that it could adopt a similar approach toward other countries pursuing what it called an EU-style regulatory strategy in this area.
The USTR alleged that the EU and certain member states have pursued a sustained pattern of discriminatory and harassing lawsuits, taxes, fines, and directives targeting U.S. service providers.
“The United States has raised concerns with the EU for years on these matters without meaningful engagement or basic acknowledgement of U.S. concerns,” the USTR added.
The USTR also said EU service providers have operated freely in the United States for decades, benefiting from access to the U.S. market and consumers, while naming several European technology giants with expansive presence in the country.
The latest remarks reflect growing frustration among U.S. officials over the EU’s tightening technology regulations and lawsuits targeting U.S. tech giants.
The European Commission has recently opened two antitrust investigations into U.S. tech giants Google and Meta, and fined Elon Musk’s platform X 120 million euros (about 140 million U.S. dollars) in its first non-compliance decision under the Digital Services Act.
The TFR, which indicates the average number of children a woman would have over her lifetime, fell from 4.1 in the 2019-2020 survey.
The decline is evident nationwide, with the sharpest drops in the Western Province (from 4.0 to 3.4) and Northern Province (from 4.1 to 3.8).
Urban areas maintained a stable rate of 3.4, while rural areas saw a decrease from 4.3 to 3.9.
The City of Kigali recorded the lowest TFR at 3.1, followed by the South Province at 3.8 and the East Province at 4.0. The trend is largely attributed to rising family planning adoption.
According to the survey, modern contraceptive use among women in unions surged to 78% from 64% in prior surveys, with injectables (34%) and implants (25%) being the most popular methods.
Among married women, about half still desire more children, but preferences have shifted: only 13% want another soon, 37% prefer to delay, and 47% want no more or have been sterilized.
The RDHS7 also highlights broader health progress. Maternal mortality has plummeted from 1,071 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 149 in 2025, while under-5 mortality stands at 36 per 1,000 live births.
The RDHS7, conducted between June and October 2025, surveyed over 14,500 households across the country, offering comprehensive, nationally representative data on key issues such as fertility, maternal and child health, nutrition, HIV, and mortality.
Wang Fengli, deputy director of the Office of the Free Trade Port Working Committee of the Communist Party of China Hainan Provincial Committee, made the remarks during the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.
Hainan will build a more flexible and efficient supervision system to facilitate the free, safe flow of goods. “On the one hand, the range of zero-tariff goods will be expanded to promote the trade of goods. On the other hand, the opening-up of services sectors such as tourism, education and health care will be accelerated in response to the development needs of trade in services,” Wang said.
Regarding investment, the Hainan FTP aims to create a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment with greater transparency. Foreign investment access will be relaxed further, and reforms will be implemented to streamline approval processes, the official said.
The opening-up of the financial sector will be advanced steadily, with efforts to develop cross-border asset management and offshore yuan business, he said.
Restrictions on the free flow of people will also be relaxed, and entry and exit policies will be eased to attract talent and business visitors, according to Wang.
Hainan will adopt a more open shipping environment, optimize vessel inspection policies and establish an efficient, secure mechanism for the cross-border transfer of data, he added.
Throughout the year, Rwanda’s influence on the international stage has continued to grow. The country garnered widespread recognition for its strong governance, diplomatic efforts, and flourishing international trade, particularly in tea, coffee, and minerals.
Additionally, Rwanda’s vibrant tourism industry and its prominent role as a host for international conferences further elevated its global profile. These efforts helped Rwanda attract over 1.15 million visitors during the 2024/2025 period, cementing its position as an increasingly influential global player.
In the realm of diplomacy, Rwanda continued to expand its influence opening new embassies around the world. In return, several countries have also chosen to establish embassies in Rwanda.
One such move took place in Luxembourg, where Rwanda’s first ambassador, Munyangaju Aurore Mimosa, arrived in March 2025. She assumed duties after presenting her credentials to the King of Luxembourg.
Luxembourg, located in the heart of Europe, borders Belgium to the north and west, France to the south, and Germany to the east. Situated over 6,300 kilometers from Rwanda, Luxembourg is not known for its high mountains, with its highest point, Kneiff, reaching only 560 meters above sea level.
With a population of just over 670,000 and an area of 2,586 square kilometers, Luxembourg is more than 10 times smaller than Rwanda. Nearly half of Luxembourg’s population is foreign-born, and its citizens speak three languages: French, German, and Luxembourgish.
{{Rwanda expands relations with Pakistan}}
In April 2025, Rwanda opened a new embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, with Fatou Harerimana serving as Rwanda’s ambassador to Pakistan. Since the embassy’s opening, several initiatives aimed at enhancing trade and investment between the two countries have been launched.
Key developments include the possibility of direct flights between Rwanda and Pakistan, and exploring potential areas of collaboration.
Pakistan established its embassy in Rwanda in 2021. Following the opening of Rwanda’s embassy in Islamabad, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on diplomatic training in April 2025.
{{Growing relations with Algeria }}
In July 2025, Rwanda appointed Vincent Karega as its first ambassador to Algeria.
He presented his credentials in October 2025 to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, marking an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
In a message shared on his X account on October 28, 2025, Amb. Karega expressed his delight at becoming Rwanda’s first resident ambassador to Algeria.
“I am honored to officially present to President Tebboune of Algeria my letters of credence as the first resident Rwandan Ambassador. Rwanda and Algeria are determined to elevate our bilateral and continental relations to the highest level,” he noted.
Rwanda and Algeria have maintained cooperation in areas such as security and education, with several Rwandan students pursuing studies in Algeria, a country where Arabic, French, and Tamazight are the official languages.
Since 1982, the two nations have signed various agreements covering economic cooperation, social development, cultural exchange, and other fields.
In December 2023, Algeria opened its embassy in Rwanda, demonstrating a renewed commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties.
On June 3, 2025, President Paul Kagame paid a state visit to Algeria, where he toured the National School of Artificial Intelligence, which also hosts Rwandan students.
During the visit, he held talks with President Tebboune focused on promoting stronger African cooperation in areas such as cross-border trade.
Before his new appointment, Ambassador Karega served as Rwanda’s envoy to South Africa until 2019, after which he was posted to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He left the DRC in 2022, following heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
On December 20, 2024, he was appointed Rwanda’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, prior to taking up his current role as Ambassador to Algeria.
{{New embassies in Kigali}}
In 2025, Rwanda’s diplomatic relations expanded significantly, as countries from all over the world chose to open embassies in Kigali. One notable example is Brazil, which decided to appoint its ambassador to Rwanda, ending years of reliance on its embassy based in Kenya.
Irene Vida Gala, Brazil’s first ambassador to Rwanda, expressed that Brazil hopes to learn from Rwanda’s success in reconciliation and peacebuilding. She also shared her vision of seeing “Visit Rwanda” on the shirts of Brazilian football teams.
Ambassador Gala also emphasized that both nations would work together to enhance cooperation in areas such as agriculture, livestock, and tourism.
{{Denmark commits to enhancing trade with Rwanda}}
In August 2025, Denmark opened its embassy in Rwanda, appointing Casper Stenger Jensen as the first Danish ambassador.
After presenting his credentials to President Kagame, Ambassador Jensen outlined his focus on strengthening investment and trade relations between the two nations.
Denmark has embassies in 11 countries across Africa, and Rwanda is now a key part of their diplomatic outreach.
In the same year, Gabon also appointed its first ambassador to Rwanda, with a primary focus on promoting economic, cultural, and educational cooperation.
Gabon is home to over 2,000 Rwandan students who are currently studying at various institutions in Rwanda.
{{Switzerland’s Embassy in Rwanda }}
Although Rwanda and Switzerland have maintained diplomatic relations since 1960, Switzerland officially opened its embassy in Kigali on November 20, 2025.
The embassy’s opening aligns with the country’s ongoing regional development efforts and bolsters Switzerland’s image as a strong advocate for peace and security.
In December 2025, Poland also opened its embassy in Rwanda, following Rwanda’s decision to open its embassy in Poland in 2021.
On November 13, 2024, Rwanda and Poland signed the Basic Air Service Agreement (BASA), which focuses on expanding air cooperation between the two countries.
Education continues to be a cornerstone of cooperation, as the 2022 Rwanda-Poland Education Forum led to agreements between universities in both countries. Poland has hosted over 1,500 Rwandan students, making them the largest group of foreign students from a single country in Poland.
Currently, Rwanda is represented by 49 ambassadors across the globe and has one Consul General. Together, these diplomats oversee Rwanda’s interests across 147 countries, with 37 honorary consuls representing Rwanda’s interests in 17 countries.
Rwanda is an active member of 200 international organizations, and 47 embassies are based in Kigali.
Additionally, there are 31 diplomats representing international organizations in Rwanda, 22 diplomats representing the interests of different countries, while 71 countries are represented by non-resident envoys in Rwanda.
Huang, head of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, made the remarks during the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.
The Thursday launch marks a major milestone in the opening-up drive of the world’s second-largest economy. This move sends a tangible message to the world: China has made a significant decision to open up further, Huang said.
It also aims to set a benchmark for higher-level opening-up, inject new momentum into upholding multilateralism and free trade, and foster inclusive and universally beneficial economic globalization, according to Huang.
“It is a strategic move to align with high-standard international economic and trade rules and steadily expand institutional opening-up,” Huang noted. “This provides an important platform for China to better adapt to and utilize international economic and trade rules while actively participating in their formulation.”
Huang believes that China’s economy has transitioned from rapid growth to high-quality development and is now at a critical stage of transforming growth model, optimizing economic structure, and shifting growth drivers.
As a key testing ground for reform in China, Hainan shoulders the important mission of paving new paths and accumulating fresh experience for building a high-standard socialist market economy, particularly in key areas such as trade and investment, fiscal and financial systems, and government regulation, Huang added.
Huang, head of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, made the remarks in the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.
During the talk show, Huang highlighted several landmark policies, noting that the share of tariff lines covered by zero-tariff treatment at the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) will rise to roughly 70 percent, alongside optimized rules that allow duty-free treatment for value-added processing.
According to Huang, the measures are expected to significantly reduce operating costs for industries such as pharmaceuticals and high-end manufacturing, encourage industrial clustering, and accelerate the development of emerging sectors, including offshore wind power and commercial space.
Meanwhile, expanded duty-free shopping options for travelers and improved purchasing policies for island residents are expected to further stimulate local consumption, Huang noted.
Favorable tax policies are also central to the new economic landscape of Hainan FTP. “Preferential income tax rates will attract more companies and skilled workers, creating higher-quality jobs and reinforcing a virtuous cycle between industry development, talent inflows and economic growth,” Huang added.
Beyond the island, the launch of island-wide special customs operations is expected to reshape regional development patterns by easing barriers to the movement of goods, capital, and other factors of production, Huang believes. “Hainan will integrate more closely with surrounding regions, fostering coordinated development across southern China.”
At the national level, Huang described the move as a key step in China’s shift from an opening-up model focused on the flow of goods and other factors to one centered on institutional opening-up.
Hainan is expected to align more closely with high-standard international economic and trade rules, including those governing cross-border data flows and intellectual property protection, Huang said, adding that successful institutional innovations could be replicated nationwide.
“Launched against a backdrop of rising protectionism and headwinds to globalization, the special customs operations could provide international investors and traders a more stable and predictable institutional environment,” said Huang.
Wang Fengli, deputy director of the Office of the Free Trade Port Working Committee of the Communist Party of China Hainan Provincial Committee, made the remarks in the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.
Following the launch, the Hainan FTP will see a sharp rise in its level of zero-tariff treatment, said Wang. The number of tariff lines eligible for zero tariffs will expand from about 1,900 to around 6,600, lifting the overall zero-tariff ratio from 21 to 74 percent.
Beyond zero tariffs, lower tax rates form another major policy advantage of the Hainan FTP, Wang said, noting that companies can benefit from multiple policies across different stages of production and operation.
He cited the example of a biopharmaceutical company. During the construction and research phase, imported raw materials and equipment can qualify for zero tariffs, reducing import costs by 5 to 10 percent. In manufacturing, products made with zero-tariff imported inputs and meeting a value-added ratio of 30 percent or more can be shipped to the Chinese mainland free of import duties.
Once profitable, the company can also benefit from a preferential corporate income tax rate of 15 percent, while its executives and technical staff may qualify for a 15 percent personal income tax rate, the official said.
Taken together, these measures offer companies opportunities for development across the entire industrial chain, Wang said.
Local residents will also see tangible benefits after the launch of special customs operations, the official added. One key change is access to a wider range of duty-free goods.
Authorities are studying tax policies for imported goods consumed by island residents, with plans to introduce a positive-list system that would allow residents to purchase selected imported products duty-free, according to Wang.
“Increased opportunities for international exchanges and cooperation are expected to make work and daily life on the island more convenient and diverse,” said the official.
The company acknowledged that the issues have caused significant financial losses and reputational strain, prompting it to intensify engagement with riders and the wider public. The matter was discussed during a media briefing held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
One of the most common concerns raised by riders involves the perceived failure of brakes on Spiro motorcycles, a situation that some fear could lead to accidents. However, Spiro says the problem is largely linked to limited familiarity with the design and operation of electric motorcycles.
Spiro Rwanda’s Deputy Plant Manager, Dieudonné Mbuguje, explained that the motorcycles are equipped with three braking mechanisms, unlike conventional petrol-powered bikes. In addition to the front and rear brakes, Spiro motorcycles also feature an engine braking system that cuts power to the rear motor.
According to Dieudonné, some riders have been disconnecting small sensor-linked components that regulate power flow to the motor, often unknowingly compromising the braking system in the process.
“When these sensors are disconnected, riders are left relying only on the conventional brakes, and the engine brake can no longer cut power to the motor when needed,” he said, noting that this can create the impression of brake failure.
To address the problem, Spiro is expanding its training programme beyond initial onboarding. The company said it has rolled out refresher tutorials across its service centres, battery swap stations and offices, while also circulating training videos through riders’ WhatsApp groups.
“We are introducing electric motorcycles into an environment where driving licences are issued for conventional bikes,” Dieudonné said. “That means riders need additional knowledge to operate electric motorcycles safely. We are now going beyond basic riding lessons to ensure users fully understand how these bikes work.”
{{Low prices, not low quality
}}
Spiro has also responded to criticism, suggesting that the relatively low price of its motorcycles reflects poor quality. The company insists that its pricing strategy is designed to support ownership rather than rental among riders.
Shanton Ngabire, Spiro’s Head of Commercial, said the company deliberately keeps prices low to enable riders to own their motorcycles, aligning with government efforts to promote electric mobility.
“Most conventional motorcycles are expensive, forcing many riders to work for years paying off bikes owned by others,” he said. “Our goal is to help riders own their motorcycles and work for themselves.”
He added that a promotional offer introduced in November last year was intended to accelerate adoption of electric motorcycles. While the promotion later drew complaints from customers who experienced delays in receiving their bikes, Spiro says the issue has since been resolved and all outstanding orders have been fulfilled.
{{Battery concerns addressed
}}
Some riders have also reported concerns about battery performance, including claims that motorcycles lose power quickly or stop unexpectedly while in motion.
Spiro Rwanda’s Country Lead, Arunkumar Bhandari, said the batteries are designed to last up to five years, but acknowledged that the company is still refining its systems, having operated in Rwanda for less than three years.
He said batteries that develop faults are removed from the system and replaced at no cost to riders, noting that Spiro retains ownership of all batteries to ensure consistent quality and safety.
In the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, guest speakers shared insights into the significance of the Hainan FTP and its upcoming special customs operations.
“Accelerating the development of free trade ports is a concrete move to show the world that China’s door to opening up will not be closed, but will only open wider,” said Huang Hanquan, head of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research under the National Development and Reform Commission.
“The launch of island-wide special customs operations reflects China’s resolve to address external uncertainties with the certainty of expanded high-standard opening up, injecting new vitality into both the Chinese economy and global growth,” Huang said.
Located in China’s southernmost island province, the Hainan FTP is the country’s largest special economic zone and a key testing ground for deepening reform and opening up. Under the special customs operations, the Hainan FTP will implement a supervision model featuring “freer access at the first line, regulated access at the second line, and free flows within the island.”
The “first line,” linking Hainan with overseas markets, will allow most imported goods to enter tariff-free with faster clearance, while the “second line,” referring to the customs boundary between Hainan and the mainland, will apply standard customs oversight to ensure fairness and prevent smuggling.
Starting Thursday, the share of zero-tariff products in the Hainan FTP will surge from 21 percent to 74 percent, with the number of tariff-free items expanding from about 1,900 to 6,637, covering nearly all production equipment and raw materials.
{{POLICY BENEFITS}}
“Island-wide special customs operations will bring a more open trade environment and a more efficient allocation of production factors, creating major development opportunities,” said Xue Zengyi, senior vice chairman of CP Group Agro-industry & Food Business, China Area.
Xue illustrated the impact with a simple calculation: the group’s coffee business will benefit from the free trade port’s zero-tariff policy on raw and auxiliary materials, reducing import costs by 8 percent in tariffs and 13 percent in value-added tax on green coffee beans, significantly lowering raw material expenses.
One of the earliest foreign-invested enterprises to establish a presence in Hainan, CP Group has operated in the province for nearly four decades. Starting with agriculture and animal husbandry, it has expanded into seven sectors, including aquaculture and coffee, and now runs 13 enterprises with a total investment of 2 billion yuan (about 283.4 million U.S. dollars).
The launch of island-wide special customs operations marks a milestone in the development of the Hainan FTP, with a raft of preferential policies expected to deliver tangible gains for businesses and residents in Hainan.
Huang said that the preferential tax policies will significantly reduce operating costs in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and high-end manufacturing, help attract industrial clustering, and spur the development of emerging industries, including offshore wind power and commercial spaceflight.
For Hainan residents, the expanded range of offshore duty-free goods and optimized shopping policies are expected to invigorate the local consumer market. Hainan’s distinctive development models are also set to spur a new wave of growth in modern service sectors such as healthcare and education, Huang added.
As part of efforts to advance the construction of the Hainan FTP, China earlier this year improved the island’s offshore duty-free shopping policies, including measures to broaden the scope of eligible duty-free goods. Since the policy took effect on Nov. 1, offshore duty-free sales have exceeded 1.5 billion yuan.
{{INSTITUTIONAL OPENING UP}}
“Island-wide special customs operations mark a new starting point for the opening up and development of the Hainan FTP, rather than the finish line,” Huang said. He added that China will gradually expand opening-up at the “first line,” further ease trade administration, and work to build a special customs supervision zone with international competitiveness and influence.
Hainan will align itself with high-standard international economic and trade rules in areas such as cross-border data flows and intellectual property protection. The institutional innovations accumulated in the process can be replicated nationwide, helping propel deeper domestic reforms, said Huang.
In terms of industry and investment, Hainan’s policy advantages are expected to attract global capital into sectors such as tourism and education, while fostering a trade model linking raw materials from Southeast Asia, processing in Hainan, and distribution in the mainland, positioning the island as a hub connecting domestic and international markets and helping optimize China’s overall trade network.
In the financial sector, improvements to the multi-functional free trade account system will broaden channels for cross-border financing and investment, facilitating the entry of foreign capital into the Chinese market and supporting outbound investment by domestic firms. This will help diversify China’s approaches to both utilizing foreign investment and investing abroad, Huang added.
Official data show that since 2020, more than 9,600 foreign-invested enterprises have been newly established in Hainan, with investors from 176 countries and regions. With the launch of island-wide special customs operations, Hainan is expected to strengthen further its role as a headquarters base for overseas companies entering the Chinese market.
In recent years, Hainan’s foreign trade has demonstrated strong growth momentum. In 2024, the total volume of Hainan’s goods imports and exports reached 277.65 billion yuan — up 20 percent year on year and nearly 200 percent compared to 2020.
Xue said that while CP Group continues to deepen its presence in the Hainan market through product innovation and expanded investment, it will also make full use of the advantages of the Hainan FTP to bring Hainan’s distinctive agricultural products to international markets.
