Hong Kong-based IOMed settles first maritime charter dispute
發佈日期: 2026-05-08 19:54
TVB News
The Hong Kong based International Organization for Mediation(IOMed) hosted the Global Mediation Summit in the city today.
Inaugural Secretary-General of the organisation and former Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng revealed that a maritime dispute was resolved earlier this month, describing it as a milestone for the mediation body.
The Global Mediation Summit took place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today, and was attended by Chief Executive John Lee, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong Cui Jianchun, together with international mediation experts, policymakers and leaders from 48 countries and regions.
In his opening remarks, the city leader John Lee said the number of signatory states increased from 37 to 41.
Amid increasingly volatile global affairs, Lee said today's world is desperately in need of mediation to pursue peace and resolve complex disputes.
Lee said, "The National 15th Five-Year Plan, I'm pleased to note, has expressed support to IOMed. That ensures that Hong Kong will play a key role in the peaceful resolution of disputes by mediation long down the road. And I can assure you that Hong Kong will continue to build on our partnership with the International Organization for Mediation."
Established last year, the IOMed provides mediation services for the resolution of international disputes.
Inaugural Secretary-General of IOMed Teresa Cheng revealed that a maritime dispute was resolved earlier this month, describing it as a milestone for the the mediation organisation.
Conducted by Hong Kong-based lawyer Rosita Lau, the mediation eventually resulted in a written agreement between parties from China and Singapore.
Cheng said, "I am delighted to share with you that a maritime dispute was successfully resolved through mediation administered by IOMed at our Hong Kong Headquarters in early May, just a few days ago. The case marks an important milestone: it is the first international maritime dispute involving a charterparty chain referred to IOMed for mediation."
Based on the principle of confidentiality, Teresa Cheng did not disclose the total number of cases handled by the IOMed.
Regarding whether the institution can resolve disputes related to the conflicts in the Middle East,
Cheng said as long as both parties agree, all countries can utilize the mediation service.
The only reservation, which is also a requirement of international law, is that it cannot involve in the interests of a third country, unless it agrees to participate.
The International Organization for Mediation is formulating systematic training courses in Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Africa within this year.
