Ambassador Hashmi praises HK mediation center, highlighting the city’s role in arbitration and global connectivity throughout history.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, highlighted Hong Kong’s strong legacy in commercial arbitration and global connectivity, describing it as an ideal hub for international mediation. He praised the city’s emerging role in promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Ambassador Hashmi called the launch of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong a game-changing initiative that introduces a fresh dispute resolution model grounded in Asian wisdom and the Chinese values of harmony and unity.
The formal signing ceremony for the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation took place in Hong Kong SAR, with 33 countries, including Pakistan, joining as founding members.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed the agreement, calling it a timely initiative by China that strengthens multilateralism and global governance.
In an interview to China Daily, Ambassador Hashmi reiterated Hong Kong’s qualifications as a global mediation center, noting that while conflicts are natural, mechanisms for mediation and conciliation are equally achievable.
He emphasized that the organization embodies a distinct Chinese approach focused on harmony — bringing parties together under the shared belief that global society is one big family.
Ambassador Hashmi highlighted the organization’s core innovation: a unique platform enabling direct state-to-state mediation to resolve disputes constructively.
He noted that while the UN Charter already mandates mediation and conciliation, this new organization offers a dedicated institutional framework to carry out such functions, complementing the UN’s existing efforts.
The organization bridges existing gaps by providing the necessary tools and structures to mediate not just between states, but also between states and commercial actors, enhancing its global utility.
Ambassador Hashmi explained that the organization adds significant value to international dispute resolution by pooling resources to deliver structured mediation services, especially for trade and commercial disagreements.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the organization’s expansion, expecting more countries to join soon and strengthen its global role.
Hashmi also lauded the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, describing it as a dynamic and highly connected region that plays a crucial role in driving regional growth.
As the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) enters its second phase, Hashmi said the focus has expanded beyond connectivity to include digital innovation, green technologies, and agriculture, under the Belt and Road Initiative.
He added that Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area could collaborate with Pakistan through BRI, especially in areas like the digital economy, where their strengths align.
Hashmi noted that Pakistan’s young, English-speaking and tech-savvy population complements the Greater Bay Area’s expertise in finance, technology, and management, offering mutual benefits.
Ambassador Hashmi shared that China and Pakistan have agreed to expand CPEC into Afghanistan, creating economic opportunities and hope for the over 40 million Afghan citizens who have faced prolonged challenges.
He concluded with optimism, saying the future of CPEC holds limitless potential for regional development and integration.
Related Posts
