Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama will travel to Washington next week to join the first meeting of US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace.” Rama told the Albanian podcast Flasim, “I will be in Washington for the official creation of the peace council and the launch of the activities of this council.” The meeting is on February 19. The Board of Peace, chaired by Trump, was set up to oversee rebuilding in Gaza after two years of Israel-Hamas war but has a broader role. Joining as permanent members requires a $1 billion fee, raising concerns it may turn into a "pay-to-play" version of the UN Security Council. Some countries like Croatia, France, New Zealand, and Norway have refused to join. Rama confirmed, “Albania has the privilege of being a founding state, and it will not contribute financially to join or remain as a permanent member.” Romania will attend the meeting as an observer. Romanian President Nicusor Dan said on X, “Romania will have observer status and I will reaffirm our strong support for international peace efforts and our willingness to participate in the reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip.” Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not attend the meeting. Instead, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar will represent Israel. Netanyahu is already in the US and has signed on as a board member. Italy will also join as an observer. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told Corriere della Sera that Italy accepted the invitation but constitutional limits prevent formal membership. Trump called on Hamas to advance disarmament, tweeting, “Very importantly, Hamas must uphold its commitment to Full and Immediate Demilitarisation.” He also announced that Board of Peace members have pledged $5 billion for Gaza reconstruction and committed thousands of personnel to the International Stabilisation Force. The first meeting aims to kickstart peace and rebuilding efforts in the Gaza Strip.