Tirana (TDI): Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that he will travel to Washington this week to attend the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” describing the event as the official launch of the council’s activities.
Speaking on the Albanian podcast Flasim on Sunday, Rama said, “I will be in Washington for the official creation of the peace council and the start of its work.”
The “Board of Peace,” chaired by President Trump, was initially designed to oversee the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip following two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, its mandate appears to extend beyond the Palestinian territory. The first meeting is set for February 19 in Washington.
Membership rules have drawn criticism. Permanent members are required to contribute $1 billion, leading some critics to describe the initiative as a “pay-to-play” alternative to the United Nations Security Council. At least 19 countries have signed the board’s founding charter, while several others, including Croatia, France, New Zealand, and Norway, have declined participation or indicated they would only join if the charter is revised.
Rama reiterated that Albania, as a founding state, will not make a financial contribution to become or remain a permanent member. “Albania has the privilege of being a founding state, and it will not contribute financially to join or remain as a permanent member,” he said.
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Romanian President Nicușor Dan also confirmed his attendance, noting that Romania will participate in an observer capacity. Posting on X, he said, “Next week I will take part in the first meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, responding to the invitation of President Donald Trump. Romania will have observer status, and I will reaffirm our support for international peace efforts and our willingness to contribute to Gaza’s reconstruction.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not attend the summit personally, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar representing the country instead. Netanyahu, who met Trump during his US visit, signed on as a board member.
Italy will also participate as an observer. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed in an interview with Corriere della Sera that Italy had received an invitation for observer status and will respond positively, citing constitutional constraints that prevent formal membership.
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Ahead of the February 19 meeting, Trump urged Hamas to pursue full disarmament under his Gaza reconstruction plan. He stated that board members had pledged $5 billion for the territory’s rebuilding and committed thousands of personnel to join the International Stabilisation Force. “Very importantly, Hamas must uphold its commitment to full and immediate demilitarization,” Trump added on his Truth Social platform.
