The newly established international mediation body, headquartered in Hong Kong, can contribute to improving the world’s legal system, according to mainland China’s vice-foreign minister.
Hua Chunying also highlighted the short time it took for the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) – the world’s first intergovernmental body dedicated to mediation – to become operational. She said this showed strong support from the international community for the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Hua was in Hong Kong on Monday to officiate at the inauguration ceremony of the IOMed, where the city’s former Justice Minister, Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wa, was appointed as the first secretary general.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also stressed the importance of international mediation, stating it was “indispensable” amid global instability.
“[IOMed’s] establishment offers a new platform in the field of international rule of law. The IOMed upholds reconciliation, collaboration, and harmony,” Hua said in her address.
“It stresses the autonomy of the parties concerned, champions equal consultation and pursues win-win collaboration.”