Convention on establishing IOMed signed in Hong Kong
發佈日期: 2025-05-30 20:51
TVB News
More than thirty countries, including China, signed the Convention On the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong on Friday morning.
Foreign minister Wang Yi cited the 1997 handover of Hong Kong as an example of successful resolution of international disputes through dialogue and peaceful means. He also said the city has the unique advantages to handle international mediation.
The signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation took place at Grand Hyatt Hotel in Wan Chai.
In attendance were China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and dignitaries from nearly 85 countries across Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa, as well as 20 international organisations.
Wang Yi signed the convention, followed by officials of around 30 founding countries.
In his speech, Wang said beyond an absolute win-lose situation, the International Organization for Mediation, or IOMed, will fill the gap of international mediation to improve global governance.
He also said Hong Kong's return to China itself is an example of resolving international disputes through peaceful means.
Wang noted that Hong Kong, being home to IOMed's headquarters, enjoys exceptional advantages in international mediation, such as its affinity to the motherland and connection to the world, its enabling business environment, its highly developed legal system, and its strength in both common law and civil law.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the SAR will fully support the IOMed in its work.
"Despite geopolitical turbulence, Hong Kong builds bridges, not walls," said John Lee. "The Hong Kong SAR government is devoted to supporting the IOMed's provision of friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services."
Two forums focused on different kinds of mediation were held in the afternoon.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam signed an MOU with Cambodia, providing a framework for strengthening communication and cooperation between both parties.
IOMed, also known as the International Organization for Mediation, was initiated by China and nearly 20 other countries in 2022. More countries are welcomed to join.
