Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania has thrown his weight behind US President Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ by confirming attendance at its inaugural Washington summit this week, standing out against notable opt-outs.
During an engaging podcast with Albanian broadcaster Flasim, Rama declared his intent to participate without financial strings attached. ‘Albania deserves its place as a founding nation and won’t pay to join or stay permanent,’ he emphasized, echoing earlier declarations.
The board emerged from Trump’s January address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, drawing 19 founding signatories. Proponents, led by Trump, tout it as a game-changer for quelling global strife and nurturing peace in turbulent times.
Skepticism abounds elsewhere: Croatia, France, Italy, New Zealand, and Norway have demurred, insisting on charter amendments. Russia, too, has withdrawn, per Foreign Ministry’s Maria Zakharova. Lavrov had indicated Moscow’s measured stance, factoring in prudent reactions from East-West divides and UN Security Council heavyweights.
Rama’s participation signals Albania’s eagerness to shape this novel platform, possibly elevating its diplomatic profile. With the meeting imminent, questions linger on its potential impact. Could it spark genuine conflict resolution, or will divisions persist? The international community awaits outcomes that could redefine multilateral peace efforts.