ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has become a co-signatory to China’s newly setup Hong Kong-based International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson said in a statement on Friday.
According to details, Pakistan, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia and Serbia were among the countries attending the signing ceremony, while representatives from 20 international bodies and organisations, including the United Nations, were also present to sign the Convention on Establishment of IOMed.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Friday, signed on behalf of Pakistan, the Convention on the establishment of IOMed in Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of People’s Republic of China, the spokesperson added.
Speaking on the occasion, the deputy prime minister appreciated the Chinese leadership for its wisdom in developing and consistently leading efforts for the establishment of IOMed and in fostering a global community with a shared future.
Dar stated that the creation of IOMed underscores the indispensability and significance of multilateralism as the centre piece for international peace, stability, and development. “The IOMeD also offers new opportunities and fresh hopes to build a more inclusive, more just and more equitable world. As one of the founding members of IOMed, Pakistan would continue to be an active voice in this noble mission,” he added.
Dar underlined Pakistan’s strong commitment towards promoting peace and security as well as development. He underlined the critical importance of advancing and preserving multilateralism through faithful adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions as well as international law.
Dar drew attention to India’s violation of international law through its acts of aggression against Pakistan and its unlawfully holding in abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty. He also highlighted the occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and occupied Palestinian Territories as drivers of conflict to regional peace and security.
Dar called for resolution of the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The idea for the establishment of the IOMed was one of the key outcomes of the second Belt and Road Forum held in Beijing in April 2019. China initiated discussions for the establishment of IOMed in 2021, and invited Pakistan to join negotiations as one of its founding members. The organization is open to all countries; is based on respect for the sovereignty, core interests and legitimate concerns of every country; aims to promote dialogue and trust between parties concerned based on equality; and desires inclusion of various legal systems, and their mediators.
Meanwhile, Dar met with Chief Executive John Lee of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
The deputy prime minister congratulated the Chief Executive on the successful establishment of IOMed while highlighting Hong Kong’s unique role as a global hub linking East and West and its growing significance in international mediation.
Recalling long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Hong Kong, the deputy prime minister/foreign minister commended the Chief Executive and SAR Government for its impressive economic and social development strides under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.
Dar and Chief Executive discussed proposals to further deepen economic, investment and trade cooperation with Hong Kong through multiple streams.
Hailing the launch of IOMed as a milestone inspired by President Xi Jinping’s vision, Dar noted its alignment with Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue-driven diplomacy and UN Charter’s principles.
Dar also commended the Pakistani community in Hong Kong for strengthening bilateral ties and contributing to the city’s diversity and economy.
The Chief Executive warmly welcomed Dar’s visit and expressed eagerness to further enhance collaboration between Hong Kong and Pakistan.
Dar is in Hong Kong to attend the official ceremony for signing the Convention on establishment of IOMed.
AFP adds: China signed a convention setting up a global mediation body in Hong Kong, which aims to be comparable to organisations such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Beijing has taken a more proactive approach in international affairs in recent years, expanding its influence in global bodies such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization — especially as the United States has taken the opposite direction under President Donald Trump.
The move is also being seen as an attempt to shore up Hong Kong’s reputation as a leading place to conduct business, after Beijing’s imposition of a wide-ranging national security law in 2020 shook confidence in the impartiality of the city’s legal system.
Initiated by Beijing, the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) was co-signed by 31 other “like-minded” countries ranging from Serbia and Pakistan to Papua New Guinea and Venezuela.
“The birth of IOMed will help transcend the zero-sum mentality of ‘win or lose’, promote the amicable resolution of international disputes, and build more harmonious international relations,” said China’s foreign minister Wang Yi, who presided over the signing.
Hong Kong’s government said IOMed will be the first intergovernmental body dedicated to mediation, while Wang said it would “fill a gap in the field”.
Mediation is when a neutral third party intervenes into a dispute to help two sides negotiate a jointly acceptable resolution to a conflict, as opposed to, for example, political bargaining or litigation.
The body will mediate disputes between countries, between countries and individuals from another country, and between private international entities.
IOMed “is on a par with” the United Nations’ ICJ and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, said the Hong Kong government.
One of the latter’s more well-known rulings was in favour of the Philippines against China over territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Beijing refused to take part in the proceedings and has ignored the judgement.
Paul Lam, Hong Kong’s secretary for justice, wrote in an article that IOMed’s establishment came as “hostile external forces are attempting to de-internationalise and de-functionalise” Hong Kong.
IOMed will start operating by the end of this year or early 2026.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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