Geneva to host Iran-US deal event: What other pacts have been signed there?

The United States and Iran are to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU), ending weeks of war and starting 60 days of negotiations, in the Swiss city of Geneva on Friday.

The event will be hosted by Pakistan, which has played a key role in mediating between the two adversaries since the war began with US-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28.

While it is still unclear which officials will represent the two warring parties and the mediator in Geneva at the ceremony, the location of the event is significant.

Geneva, often called the “Peace Capital” of the world, has acted as a hub for international diplomatic efforts and has hosted the signing of several peace treaties.

Ian Lesser, distinguished fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, told Al Jazeera that several other factors are also at play in the choice of Geneva for the signing of this particular agreement.

“Swiss neutrality, the presence of United Nations and multinational agencies and a range of suitable, discreet venues in Geneva make it an ideal location for such deals,” he said.

What are some of the other peace agreements that have been signed in Geneva?

The original Geneva Convention, which established international rules for the treatment of sick and wounded soldiers, was held on August 22, 1864. It was initiated by Swiss businessman Henry Dunant and drafted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) after the 1859 Battle of Solferino, also called the Second Italian War of Independence.