Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with global leaders in south China’s Hong Kong on Friday to celebrate the signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). The event marks a significant step towards promoting peaceful dispute resolution worldwide.
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized the importance of the IOMed in upholding the purposes of the UN Charter. “The IOMed reflects the shared aspirations of developing countries, offering a new option for resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation,” he said. “It will help strengthen the international rule of law and support global governance in a more just and equitable direction.”
The IOMed is the world’s first intergovernmental international legal organization specializing in dispute resolution. Jointly initiated by countries of the Global South, it aims to address common concerns among nations seeking peace, stability, and development.
Wang Yi held separate meetings with officials including Zimbabwean Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Amon Murwira, Beninese Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Cameroonian Minister of External Relations Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Nepali Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, and Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith.
Leaders expressed their support for the IOMed:
Olushegun Adjadi Bakari of Benin said his country would expedite the approval of the convention, aiming for the IOMed to begin operations soon, contributing to greater global stability, which is especially important for Africa.
Mohammad Ishaq Dar of Pakistan noted that China’s initiative was timely and marked an important contribution to strengthening the multilateral system.
Ignazio Cassis of Switzerland stated that the IOMed represents a significant step towards resolving differences through mediation and opens new areas of cooperation.
Nepali Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba congratulated China on the successful signing, adding that Hong Kong is an ideal location for the organization’s headquarters.
Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith highlighted that mediation reflects the cultural characteristics of Asia and expressed confidence that the IOMed would play a vital role in promoting regional peace and security.
The establishment of the IOMed is seen as a milestone in international collaboration, particularly among developing nations. It is expected to better protect the legitimate interests of countries, especially small and medium-sized ones, by providing a platform for resolving disputes amicably.
