Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama is set to travel to Washington for the debut session of President Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace,’ becoming one of the few leaders to embrace the controversial platform. The announcement comes amid widespread skepticism from other global players.
Speaking on a popular Albanian podcast, Rama told host Flasim of his plans to join the meeting this week. He dismissed any notion of fees for membership, asserting, ‘Albania has a special right as a founding country and will not pay to participate or remain a permanent member.’ This aligns with his prior statements rejecting monetary commitments.
Launched by Trump at Davos in January, the Board of Peace boasts initial backing from 19 signatories. Trump positioned it as a revolutionary forum to eradicate ongoing conflicts worldwide, stressing the urgent global demand for peace-building mechanisms.
Rejections have poured in from prominent countries including Croatia, France, Italy, New Zealand, and Norway, many demanding charter revisions before reconsideration. Russia echoed this sentiment, with spokesperson Maria Zakharova announcing no participation in the upcoming session. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had previously highlighted Moscow’s deliberate assessment, pointing to wary responses from both Eastern and Western blocs, notably UN Security Council stalwarts.
Rama’s bold move underscores Albania’s proactive foreign policy, potentially carving out a niche in this high-stakes endeavor. As preparations intensify, the board’s ability to convene meaningful dialogue remains under scrutiny. Will it catalyze real progress or falter under international doubt? Observers are watching closely.