Minister Wang Yi,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honour for Switzerland to be present in Hong Kong for the launch of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed).
I would like to thank you – Minister Wang Yi – for your kind invitation. This is our sixth meeting – a reflection of the ongoing dialogue between our countries and our shared interest in constructive engagement.
In a world marked by growing uncertainty, Switzerland supports initiatives that foster pragmatic solutions and uphold a stable, rules-based international order – the foundation for lasting peace and shared prosperity.
Although Switzerland and China differ in many ways, our bilateral relations are mature and dynamic. They benefit from regular high-level exchanges and sustained dialogue.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Switzerland welcomes China’s initiative to strengthen mediation mechanisms. We participate here as an observer state – one with longstanding experience in mediation.
At a time when the force of arms too often eclipses the force of law – and few parties seem weary of war – Switzerland stands ready to support credible and constructive efforts for peace and conflict resolution, in line with its tradition and policy of neutrality.
Neutrality is a defining trait of Swiss diplomacy – one that makes us a trusted and reliable partner.
But I would add another key quality that complements it: pragmatism.
Just last month, we hosted delegations from China and the United States in Geneva for trade discussions – held in the calm and discreet setting of the Swiss Residence. It is this spirit of quiet diplomacy that enables encounters of that nature.
Such meetings are possible not only because Switzerland is neutral and pragmatic, but because our foreign policy is grounded in a founding principle: trust.
And trust is not improvised – it is built over time, through discretion, consistency, and a refusal to seek the spotlight.
It is on this foundation that Switzerland has developed its good offices. For decades, they have contributed – quietly and consistently – to resolving conflicts and promoting peace.
Our approach consists of three main tools, made available to the international community:
First, protecting power mandates: upon request, Switzerland acts as a neutral intermediary between States lacking diplomatic relations. For instance, we have represented US interests in Iran since 1980, and those of the Russian Federation in Georgia – and vice versa – since 2009.
Second, host state functions: Switzerland provides a neutral venue for dialogue – from the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (1972–1975), which laid the foundations of the OSCE, to the 2021 US–Russia Summit in Geneva.
Third, mediation: currently, we support over 30 peace processes in more than 20 countries through mediation, facilitation, and dialogue support. These efforts are made at the request of the parties and often in cooperation with international organisations such as the UN or the OSCE.
Excellencies
Let me compare our good offices to a Swiss Army Knife: versatile, discreet, and surprisingly useful thanks to its many tools – while still fitting in a trouser pocket.
Our good offices are meant to assist States that seek to resolve conflicts discreetly and competently. We intervene only when asked – and only when we can add value.
Switzerland may not be a superpower, but it is, without a doubt, a trustworthy power.
Minister Wang Yi,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to close with a few thoughts:
In today’s fragmented world, the need for impartial and effective mediation is growing. Switzerland’s vocation is to offer support where it is most needed – quietly and professionally.
But mediation is not uniform. Conflicts vary, as do their cultural and political contexts. That’s why we value partnerships with other States – and already maintain several cooperation agreements in this area.
We are also keen to understand how a new international organisation could bring fresh momentum to mediation – by fostering trust, pragmatism, and results, while avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China – a relationship rooted in mutual respect and dialogue.
It is in that same spirit that we join you today in launching the International Organization for Mediation.
Thank you.