Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday signed the Convention on the Establishment of International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong, a body Beijing hopes will serve as a dispute resolution mechanism on par with the International Court of Justice.
Speaking on the occasion, Dar appreciated the Chinese leadership for its wisdom in developing and consistently leading efforts for the establishment of the IOMed, as well as fostering a global community with a shared future. He said the creation of IOMed underscores the indispensability and significance of multilateralism as the centerpiece for international peace, stability, and development, read a statement issued by the Foreign Office.
The minister said 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.
The foreign minister underlined Pakistan’s strong commitment toward 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 U.N. Charter, full implementation of U.N. Security Council resolutions as well as international law.
During his address, 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. He called for resolution of the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the U.N. 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 2nd Belt and Road Forum held in Beijing in April 2019, said the Foreign Office. 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. It 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.
Pakistan, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia and Serbia were among the countries attending the signing ceremony, while representatives from 20 international bodies, including the United Nations, were also expected to join, public broadcaster RTHK said.