Online Reporter
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ZIMBABWE has taken a significant step in bolstering its commitment to global peace and security by becoming a founding member of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed).
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira signed the convention establishing the IOMed at a ceremony in Hong Kong on Friday.
In his address, Prof Murwira expressed Zimbabwe’s gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for spearheading the ground-breaking initiative.
He highlighted that the IOMed, envisioned as the world’s first intergovernmental legal organisation dedicated to peacefully resolving international disputes, aligns perfectly with the core values of the United Nations Charter.
“Zimbabwe supports President Xi Jinping’s concept of the International Organisation for Mediation, which aims to address global problems peacefully,” said Prof Murwira.
He emphasised that this initiative resonates deeply with Zimbabwe’s constitutional mandate, citing Section 12 (1), which calls for respect for international law, peaceful co-existence and the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means.
Prof Murwira underscored the critical timing of the IOMed’s establishment, given the “significant shifts in the global geopolitical landscape and global deficits in peace and security.”
He praised China’s “noteworthy leadership” in devising the IOMed as a vital tool for brokering peace amid contemporary conflicts.
“Global deficits in peace and security require concerted efforts to address the problems,” Prof Murwira remarked.
“At a time when conflicts have taken geopolitical dimensions, it is instructive that China has provided instrumental leadership in devising the IOMed.”
Zimbabwe’s commitment to the IOMed is rooted in its belief that peace is the cornerstone of development, he added. Prof Murwira called on member states to recommit to multilateralism, solidarity, justice and the sovereign equality of all nations.
“Zimbabwe rallies behind the establishment of the IOMed Convention and our Government is committed to making this Convention a success.”
In his remarks, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the Convention upholds President Xi’s goal of promoting peaceful resolution of international disputes.
“The UN Charter in its preamble states a clear purpose of different countries living together in peace and maintaining international peace and security.
“Eighty years later, faced with accelerating global transformation not seen in a century, President Xi Jinping has pointed out that disagreements between countries are normal and should be properly settled through dialogue and consultation.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa