The call was made by He Ping, President of the Belt and Road Journalists Network and a member of the Presidium of the All-China Journalists Association, during the official opening of the Belt and Road Journalists Forum in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, China, on October 17, 2026.
Held under the theme “Convergence and Connectivity, Innovation and Progress, Media Transformation Amid Global Changes,” the forum brought together media representatives from more than 50 countries and regions.
He said the imbalance raised fundamental questions about who shapes international narratives and determines how countries and their histories are understood.
“Who gets to draw the map of humanity and human history? And who gets the right to define it for us in the new media landscape?” he asked.
He described addressing the imbalance as a historic responsibility, urging journalists to document the transformations taking place across Global South countries, including their pursuit of independent development paths, preservation of cultural heritage and efforts towards unity, self-reliance and progress.
“We must tell the stories of profound transformation across their vast lands, document the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations, and reflect their tireless efforts towards unity, self-reliance and progress,” he said.
He added that the stories of the Global South should be seen, its voice heard, its interests protected and its contributions recognized.
The main forum was preceded by themed seminars that brought together journalists from over 50 countries across the world.
‘AI must not compromise journalistic credibility‘
He also called on media professionals to promote peace, fairness and cooperation through reporting that challenges prejudice and moves beyond narratives shaped by confrontation and zero-sum thinking.
Citing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, he said international cooperation was essential to addressing challenges related to development, security and governance.
Turning to technological change, he said artificial intelligence was reshaping news production and editorial workflows, making adaptation essential for media organizations.
“Adapting to change and embracing new technology is no longer a matter of choice; it is an imperative,” he said.
However, he cautioned that AI adoption must not undermine factual accuracy, originality or human editorial responsibility.
“How can we uphold the essential purpose of human editorial responsibility, factual accuracy and originality?” he asked, highlighting questions journalists must address as AI becomes increasingly integrated into newsrooms.
“AI can be a powerful tool, but we must never surrender our responsibility to artificial intelligence,” he said, emphasizing the need to balance technological innovation with established journalistic principles.
Mo Gaoyi, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of the State Council Information Office of China, highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative’s contribution to international economic cooperation.
China’s trade with Belt and Road partner countries reached RMB 23.6 trillion (over US$3.5 trillion) in 2025, increasing by 6.3% and accounting for 51.9% of the country’s total foreign trade.
Mo called on media organizations to strengthen international understanding and amplify Global South perspectives, while Puy Kea, rotating President of the Belt and Road Journalists Association, emphasized inclusive representation, credible reporting and the responsible use of technology to bridge information gaps.
Xi Ying, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee, urged journalists to document the outcomes of Belt and Road cooperation, including technological innovation, rural development and cultural exchanges.
He also stressed the importance of countering disinformation and safeguarding a fair and rational global communication environment.
Officials and media association representatives from different regions graced the official opening of the forum.
Here, modern industrial parks, research laboratories and emerging technologies exist alongside centuries-old gardens, historic neighbourhoods and waterways that remain part of everyday life.
Located in Jiangsu Province, close to Shanghai and at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, Suzhou has developed into one of China’s major economic centres.
Founded in 514 BC, the city has more than 2,500 years of history. Over time, it has also become an important destination for investment, industrial development and international cooperation under China’s reform and opening-up policy.
This dynamic blend of heritage and modern enterprise was recently on display for a delegation of media representatives attending the 2026 Belt and Road Journalists Forum in Jiangsu Province, who toured Suzhou to gain firsthand insight into its industrial development, technological innovation, cultural heritage, and rural life.
From international cooperation to a global innovation hub
Suzhou Industrial Park was established in 1994 through cooperation between China and Singapore. The partnership drew on Singapore’s experience in investment promotion, urban planning and public administration as China developed the park into a destination for international investment and industrial activity.
More than three decades later, the park is home to businesses operating in advanced manufacturing, research and technology.
The park is part of a wider network of industrial and innovation zones in China that support trade, investment and cooperation with international partners. Trade between China and Belt and Road partner countries reached RMB 1.27 trillion (over US$ 189 billion) in 2025.
Suzhou is also home to BioBAY, an innovation hub specialising in biotechnology and life sciences. Established nearly two decades ago, it hosts more than 680 innovative high-tech companies and around 35,000 scientific and technological professionals. Companies based there work in areas including innovative medicines, high-end medical devices, cell and gene technologies, nucleic acid therapeutics and synthetic biology.
Medical technology has also advanced in ways that can have lasting effects on patients. A person who received a heart implant eight years ago is now 68 years old.
In another area of technological development, AISpeech Co Ltd specialises in conversational artificial intelligence and voice technologies. Its work includes developing systems that allow people to interact with digital devices through speech, as well as AI applications for smart homes, vehicles and smart-city services. These technologies enable devices and digital systems to respond to spoken instructions, provide information and support everyday tasks.
Kunshan town, which is administered by Suzhou, is home to the World’s First Robot 6S Store. Covering approximately 1,000 square metres, the facility brings together more than 100 brands and offers sales, spare parts, servicing, surveys, leasing and customised solutions.
Its product range includes humanoid robots, industrial robots, drones and other AI-related products. The store brings together product sales and services related to the selection, maintenance and use of robotic equipment.
A modern city preserving its cultural identity
Beyond its industrial parks and technology businesses, Suzhou retains a historic urban landscape shaped by canals, traditional architecture, gardens and narrow streets.
Pingjiang Road is one of the city’s best-preserved historic districts. Waterways run alongside streets lined with traditional buildings, with small bridges connecting the banks.
White walls and dark-tiled roofs give the neighbourhood a distinctive appearance. The area contains more than 100 protected heritage sites and numerous elements of Suzhou’s historic urban landscape.
Narrow lanes lead past traditional homes, small shops and waterside buildings, while boats move along the canals that have long formed part of the neighbourhood.
Lion Grove Garden, established in 1342, is known for its elaborate rock formations, some of which resemble lions. The garden follows traditional Chinese landscaping principles, combining rocks, pathways, plants, pavilions and water features within a carefully arranged space.
Winding passages lead visitors between tall, irregular rock formations, through narrow openings and sheltered spaces before opening onto courtyards and pavilions. Trees and other vegetation provide shade throughout the garden.
A different architectural approach can be found at the Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by the Danish architectural firm BIG.
The complex comprises interconnected structures whose design draws inspiration from classical Chinese gardens. Its buildings, courtyards and pathways create transitions between enclosed galleries and outdoor spaces.
Jinji Lake is located in the central part of Suzhou Industrial Park, in eastern Suzhou. The freshwater lake covers approximately 7.4 square kilometres, while the wider scenic area extends across about 11.5 square kilometres. Its waterfront is surrounded by commercial buildings, cultural facilities, hotels and public spaces.
The area includes the Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre, Suzhou International Expo Centre and Suzhou Jinji Lake International Convention Centre. Other landmarks include the Oriental Gate, Suzhou Center, Eslite Bookstore and Ligong Causeway, a waterfront promenade lined with restaurants and other businesses.
Walking paths connect sections of the lakeside, offering views of the water and the surrounding skyline. The area also accommodates exhibitions, cultural performances, sporting events and other public activities, alongside shopping, dining and recreational facilities.
Rural life is another part of Suzhou’s landscape. Shangmingdian Village, located in Zhangpu Town in Kunshan, combines traditional agricultural activities with efforts to develop rural tourism and new business opportunities.
Farmland, waterways and village settlements form part of the local landscape, while crop cultivation remains an important aspect of rural livelihoods. Agricultural development initiatives in the area include improvements to farmland and village infrastructure, alongside activities involving agricultural production, countryside recreation and tourism.
The village’s development also involves finding new uses for existing spaces and encouraging businesses associated with cultural tourism, creative industries and innovation. Such activities take place alongside farming and other established rural pursuits, providing additional avenues for local economic activity.
Across Kunshan town, rural tourism initiatives connect villages, agricultural landscapes and traditional settlements, giving visitors opportunities to explore areas beyond the main urban centres.
During a briefing for the visiting journalists, Dr. Zheng Changzong, Director of the Research Center for Party Building and National Development at Fudan University, described Suzhou as a live example of how international cooperation extends beyond industrial growth to shared human progress.
Reflecting on history, ancient Silk Road trade, and collective responsibility, Dr. Zheng emphasized that real progress in an interconnected world is built on mutual support rather than zero-sum competition.
“We live on the same planet, and our lives are interconnected. If I want to live well, I should also hope that you can live well. The objective should be to create opportunities for countries to develop together, rather than treating development as a process in which one country’s progress must come at the expense of another.”
At Lion Grove Garden, one can see elaborate rock formations, winding pathways, and historic pavilions highlighting 14th-century landscaping.At BioBAY, a specialized life sciences hub hosts over 680 high-tech biotechnology and medical companies. This photo shows the entrance of BioBAY in Suzhou.Inside BioBAY’s research facilities, scientists develop advanced medical devices, including heart implants.Inside Kunshan’s World’s First Robot 6S Store, visitors can explore humanoid robots and industrial equipment.Historic lanes along Pingjiang Road preserve more than 100 protected heritage sites amidst active neighborhood life.Local farmers in Shangmingdian Village showcase fresh agricultural produce grown through traditional farming practices.Performances of traditional folk songs form an integral part of Shangmingdian’s local culture and heritage.Skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and public promenades line the vibrant waterfront of Jinji Lake in eastern Suzhou.Dr. Zheng Changzong, Director at Fudan University, speaks to international journalists about international exchange and shared development.Lion Grove Garden follows traditional Chinese landscaping principles.Traditional village homes and modern renovated residences sit along scenic waterways, reflecting the improved living conditions and countryside lifestyle in Shangmingdian Village.Located in Jiangsu Province, close to Shanghai and at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, Suzhou has developed into one of China’s major economic centres.
Running from October 12 to 18 in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu, the forum brings together media leaders to exchange professional experiences, explore developments in Jiangsu Province and discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in the media industry.
Organised under the Belt and Road Journalists Network (BRJN), the programme combines field visits, seminars and discussions on international reporting, economic journalism, fact-checking, artificial intelligence (AI) and cooperation among Global South media organisations.
Established in 2017 through the joint initiative of the All-China Journalists Association (ACJA) and journalists’ organisations from participating countries and regions, the BRJN connects more than 110 representative journalists’ organisations worldwide, collectively covering 1.67 million media professionals.
The forum, which has been held annually since its launch, provides a platform for media leaders to exchange experiences and explore opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
Discussions on AI will examine how news organisations can adopt emerging technologies while safeguarding the authenticity and reliability of their reporting.
The programme also includes sessions on mutual learning between civilisations, international cooperation and changing global governance.
As part of the forum, field visits across Jiangsu are giving participants an opportunity to understand the province’s economic development, cultural heritage and technological advances beyond the conference discussions.
Among the cities featured in the programme is Suzhou, a major economic centre in the Yangtze River Delta, near Shanghai.
The city combines more than 2,500 years of history with a modern industrial economy driven by advanced manufacturing, electronics, artificial intelligence and other technology-related sectors.
Suzhou is also internationally recognised for its classical gardens and the Grand Canal, which reflect its longstanding cultural heritage.
Its economic development has attracted foreign investment and supported the growth of industrial and technological innovation.
Speaking to journalists about the city’s development on October 13, Suzhou Mayor Wang Wei highlighted innovation, advanced manufacturing and openness as key elements of its economic progress.
He pointed to the growing use of automation in factories, including robotic arms and unmanned machinery, as examples of how technology is transforming industrial production.
Wang also highlighted Suzhou’s innovation platforms and its efforts to strengthen international economic links.
With a total area of 8,557.32 square kilometers, Suzhou is home to a population of over 16 million. In 2025, the city recorded a regional GDP of US$387.7 billion, ranking 6th among all the cities in Chinese mainland and 20th globally.
Reflecting on Suzhou’s development, a professor at Fudan University’s School of International Relations and Public Affairs, who also directs its Research Center for Party Building and National Development, Dr. Zheng Changzhong highlighted the relationship between China’s modernisation experience and its long history.
He linked the country’s development to the ability to mobilise people around shared objectives, while emphasising the value of exchanging ideas and learning from different societies.
“China wants to live well with others,” Dr. Zheng said, pointing to the importance of cooperation and practical experience in addressing shared development challenges.
He added that learning from different cultures and their accumulated wisdom could contribute to a better future for humanity.
Through its discussions and field visits, the forum provides an opportunity for journalists to exchange professional knowledge, explore different development experiences and consider how international media cooperation can contribute to greater mutual understanding.
Media representatives from different countries visited Suzhou as part of the 2026 Belt and Road Journalists Forum, exploring its industrial development and opportunities for international cooperation.Suzhou Mayor Wang Wei (right) with Dr. Zheng Changzhong (left) at a media briefing on the city’s economic development, technological innovation and international cooperation.
The meeting took place at Urugwiro Village in Kigali, a day after Rwanda and Senegal held the inaugural session of their Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation, which saw the signing of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding across key sectors.
The two countries also held a business forum aimed at expanding trade and investment ties by connecting businesses and identifying opportunities for partnerships.
The forum brought together government officials, investors and private-sector representatives to explore opportunities in sectors including agriculture, construction, transport and logistics, tourism, health and education.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Deputy Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kangeli Muganza called on businesses to translate the strong political relations between the two countries into lasting economic partnerships.
Senegal’s APIX investment promotion agency also highlighted the need to move beyond institutional cooperation to generate more investment, trade and private-sector partnerships.
The latest engagements reflect ongoing efforts by Rwanda and Senegal to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen ties that date back to 1975.
President Paul Kagame has received Senegal’s Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang at Urugwiro Village to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
While raising the forecast for merchandise trade growth, the WTO’s latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report lowered the outlook for commercial services trade in 2026 over the impact of the Middle East conflict.
The forecast for services trade volume growth in 2026 has been revised down to 3.3 percent from 4.8 percent in March.
In 2027, growth rates in volume terms for merchandise and services trade are expected to rise to 4.1 percent and 6.4 percent, respectively, depending on a timely resolution of the Middle East conflict, the report said.
In the report, the WTO projected global GDP growth at 2.6 percent and 2.9 percent in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the figures “reflect trade resilience in action.”
Meanwhile, WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill told a press conference held on the same day that while the system has proven resilient, that does not necessarily mean it is robust.
“Vulnerabilities remain, and WTO members are working to address them. Strengthening the multilateral trading system will help ensure that the global economy is better equipped to deal with future shocks.”
According to the report, merchandise trade volume grew by 3.5 percent in the first half of 2026, exceeding expectations despite the disruption caused by the Middle East conflict.
The performance reflected the ability of supply chains to adapt to shocks affecting energy, fertilizer and transport markets, the report noted.
The report showed that crude oil exports from the Middle East fell by roughly 24 percent and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports by 47 percent in the first half of 2026. But increased shipments from other suppliers helped limit the decline in global exports to around 6 percent for crude oil and just 1 percent for LNG. Fertilizer markets also adjusted despite severe disruption, the report said.
Another factor contributing to the higher merchandise trade growth forecast is “a stronger-than-expected” surge in AI-related capital investment, said the report.
In the first half of 2026, AI-enabling goods such as semiconductors and servers accounted for 47 percent of global merchandise trade growth, with trade in these products up 67 percent year-on-year, accelerating from already rapid growth in 2024 and 2025.
As the Middle East conflict disrupted transport and travel services, services trade growth slowed from 14 percent year-on-year in value terms in the first quarter of 2026 to 10 percent in the second quarter, the report showed.
It noted that other services, especially digitally delivered services such as computer and financial services exports, remained resilient and continued to support overall services trade growth.
A copy of the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report is pictured during a press conference at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Oct. 8, 2026.
“He (Maduro) authorized the use of torture against specific individuals and oversaw a system designed to use torture, arbitrary detention and violence as a means of repression against the political opposition,” the indictment said.
Maduro had previously been charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons-related offenses, to which he pleaded not guilty.
A U.S. judge ruled in July that Maduro and Flores will go on trial on June 1, 2027.
Maduro’s lawyers have sought to have the case dismissed, arguing that he was the incumbent president of Venezuela at the time of his capture and was therefore entitled to immunity from foreign criminal jurisdiction.
On Jan. 3, U.S. forces launched a military operation in Venezuela and forcibly seized Maduro and his wife before transporting them to New York. The couple has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since their capture in Caracas.
enezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were charged by U.S. authorities on Thursday with conspiracy to commit torture.
The family made the announcement while sharing details of the arrangements for her funeral, asking those who wish to honour her memory to support survivors instead of sending flowers.
Gauthier is remembered for her efforts to help bring people suspected of involvement in the Genocide who had settled in France to justice. She worked alongside her husband, Alain Gauthier, in identifying suspects, gathering evidence and supporting legal proceedings against them.
Her funeral service will be held at Saint André Church in Reims, northeastern France, on the morning of October 12, followed by her burial in the afternoon.
Gauthier was born in 1954 in what was then Butare Prefecture. She met Alain Gauthier while he was working as a teacher in Rwanda, and they later married in France. The couple had three children.
She was living in France when the Genocide against the Tutsi took place in 1994. About 80 members of her family were killed, an experience that later drove her and Alain to pursue justice for victims.
The couple began their efforts in 1996 and, in 2001, founded the Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR), an organisation that has worked to identify and support the prosecution of people suspected of involvement in the Genocide who were living in France.
The organisation investigated the whereabouts of suspects, gathered evidence and testimonies relating to alleged crimes and submitted cases to French judicial authorities for investigation.
Among those whose cases were pursued with the couple’s involvement are Octavien Ngenzi, Tito Barahira, Dr. Sosthène Munyemana, Dr. Eugène Rwamucyo, Philippe Hategekimana, also known as Philippe Manier or Biguma, Laurent Serubuga and Pascal Simbikangwa.
The couple also pursued a case involving Agathe Kanziga, the widow of former President Juvénal Habyarimana, over allegations concerning her involvement in the planning and execution of the Genocide during its early stages. The investigation into her case was later discontinued.
Gauthier and her husband were recognised for their contribution to efforts to bring Genocide suspects to justice.
On November 18, 2017, President Paul Kagame awarded them the Impeta y’Igihango, an honour recognising outstanding contributions to strengthening relations and cooperation between countries.
The family’s decision to direct donations to vulnerable Genocide survivors reflects Gauthier’s long-standing commitment to supporting survivors and pursuing justice for those killed in the Genocide.
Dafroza Gauthier wil be buried in Reims on October 12, 2026.
During the five-day period, the country exported 9,656 tonnes of agricultural and livestock products to international markets.
Coffee generated the highest earnings among the individual products, with 609 tonnes bringing in $1.66 million. Tea exports amounted to 400 tonnes and generated $1.11 million.
Rwanda also exported 489 tonnes of vegetables worth $508,124, while 718 tonnes of fruits generated $674,055. Flower exports stood at 18 tonnes, earning $86,857.
Livestock products accounted for 285 tonnes of exports worth $558,518.
The largest volume was recorded under the category of miscellaneous products, with 7,137 tonnes exported and generating $5.34 million. The category also accounted for the largest share of the total export value during the period.
Rwandan agricultural and livestock products were exported to markets including China, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, South Africa, India and several other African countries.
Rwanda exported 9,656 tonnes of agricultural and livestock products to international markets in five days.
The agreements were signed during a business forum held in Kigali on October 7, 2026, on the sidelines of the inaugural session of the Rwanda-Senegal Joint Commission for Cooperation. The forum brought together government officials, investors, businesses and other stakeholders from both countries.
Participants explored opportunities in transport and logistics, construction, agriculture and agro-processing, textiles, leather, services, tourism, health and education, while business-to-business meetings provided an opportunity to discuss potential trade deals, joint ventures and investment projects.
RDB Deputy Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kangeli Muganza urged businesses to turn the strong political ties between Rwanda and Senegal into lasting economic partnerships.
She highlighted Rwanda’s 9.4% economic growth in 2025 and the second quarter of 2026, as well as $2.62 billion in investments registered through 799 projects in 2025, expected to create more than 38,000 jobs.
Muganza said the RDB supports investors through its One Stop Centre, streamlined procedures and connections with relevant institutions and partners and urged the private sector to trade, invest, build partnerships and create jobs.
APIX Deputy CEO Moustapha Cissé said cooperation should move beyond institutional relations to generate more investment, trade and private-sector partnerships.
He identified agriculture, industry, innovation, infrastructure, logistics, services, tourism, health and education among the priority areas.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said the forum should lead to concrete business partnerships rather than remain a platform for dialogue.
“We want this forum to be not simply a space for dialogue, but the starting point for a new phase of cooperation between the business communities of Rwanda and Senegal,” he said.
Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang said both countries have complementary strengths that could support stronger economic ties.
“Rwanda and Senegal each have their own strengths. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that these strengths can complement each other more,” he said.
The forum comes amid strong political ties between Senegal and Rwanda, based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has called for the Rwanda-Senegal business forum to lead to concrete partnerships between the two countries’ business communities.Senegal’s Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang has said the two countries’ complementary strengths can create new opportunities for economic cooperation.Senegal’s APIX Deputy CEO Moustapha Cissé has urged the two countries to translate institutional cooperation into increased investment, trade and private-sector partnerships.Rwandan and Senegalese business leaders have explored opportunities for trade, investment and partnerships across sectors including agriculture, logistics, tourism, health and education.RDB Deputy CEO Juliana Kangeli Muganza has called on businesses to turn Rwanda-Senegal political ties into lasting commercial partnerships.
The remarks were made on August 7, 2026, during a sermon delivered by Apostle Gitwaza to Christians. An excerpt from the teaching began circulating widely on social media in recent days, drawing criticism from various people.
In the clip, Gitwaza tells Christians to be cautious about the first person to hold a newborn, claiming that witches could use nurses and midwives to affect a child’s reproductive health.
“If you give birth to a boy or a girl, be careful about the first person you do not know who takes the baby. The spirit of witchcraft is in many nurses and midwives; Satan uses them there. Who were the ones killing the Israelites? It was the midwives,” he is heard saying.
He goes on to claim that children could suffer reproductive harm shortly after birth, alleging that boys could have their sperm “taken away” while girls could have their “eggs” removed, which he said would affect their ability to have children later in life.
“If you have a baby boy and realize he has impregnated someone, be concerned but also rejoice that he is active. Many are targeted there when they are born. A girl may grow up without eggs. So pray for pregnant women, and even when children grow up, be careful about sending them to sleep in places you do not know. At night, they go and use them as sacrifices. Do not let your child sleep in a place you do not know again,” he said.
Zion Temple apologises
In a statement issued on October 7, 2026, Zion Temple Celebration Center said it had become aware that excerpts from the teaching were circulating on social media and acknowledged that the remarks had hurt nurses and midwives.
“We became aware that statements contained in the clip were understood by members of the public, particularly nurses and midwives, as disrespectful and as undermining their profession and the important role they play in the health and wellbeing of our society,” the church said.
The church said there had been no intention to discredit nurses, midwives or any other profession.
“We recognise, however, that the words used caused hurt and concern. For this, we sincerely apologise to nurses and midwives and to all those who were affected by the message,” it said.
Zion Temple said it highly values nurses and midwives and appreciates their dedication, professionalism and contribution to saving lives, caring for families and improving the wellbeing of communities.
The church also said it had held discussions with representatives of the nurses and midwives association to express its regret and explore ways to strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the two sides.
It said the discussions were constructive, with both sides agreeing to continue strengthening cooperation and public trust in nurses and midwives.
Gitwaza signed the statement apologising to nurses and midwives over recent statements linking them to witchcraft.
