Mr Saleumxay Kommasith signs the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong recently.   --Photo Pasaxon newspaper

Laos signs convention to boost peaceful international dispute resolution

Laos is set to benefit from improved mechanisms for resolving international disputes following its signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), which will enhance legal cooperation and foster stronger trade and diplomatic ties with other countries.
As a signatory to the Convention, Laos is qualified to participate in the IOMed framework for mediation, which provides a peaceful alternative to arbitration or litigation for resolving international or commercial conflicts.
However, challenges remain in terms of legal harmonisation, capacity building and institutional readiness. Laos will need to update relevant laws and develop the necessary human resources to ensure effective participation in the IOMed mechanism.
The signing ceremony was held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China on May 30. The Deputy Prime Minister of Laos, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith, represented the Lao government at the event and signed the Convention alongside representatives of 32 countries. More than 80 countries and 20 international organisations participated in the gathering, reflecting broad international support for the initiative.
The establishment of IOMed is a Chinese-led initiative and aligns with Laos’ foreign policy, which prioritises peaceful dispute resolution and regional cooperation. The Convention aims to promote the use of mediation to settle international disputes, particularly those involving business or state-to-state matters, and to support the maintenance of friendly relations between nations.
Following the signing, Laos will move forward with legal procedures in accordance with the Law on International Treaties and Agreements (2017), including the proposal for ratification by the National Assembly and preparation of necessary resources for implementation.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, Mr Saleumxay met China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The Chinese side praised Laos for being among the first countries to sign the Convention, demonstrating its commitment to uphold peaceful and constructive dispute resolution methods.
The two ministers reviewed the outcomes of bilateral cooperation, particularly in implementing the action plan to build a Laos-China community with a shared future. They expressed satisfaction with progress made in areas such as trade, investment and connectivity, especially through the Laos-China Railway.
The two sides agreed to continue enhancing bilateral ties, including preparation for high-level visits later this year, promotion of trade through better use of the railway link, and strengthened cooperation in transnational crime prevention and regional dialogue.
Mr Saleumxay also met the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr John Lee Ka-chiu. Both parties reviewed previous cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to expand collaboration in trade, investment and tourism. They also discussed opportunities under the Close Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to support Lao exports to Hong Kong and beyond.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update June 3, 2025)