Washington – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama will travel to Washington next week to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council established by U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled for February 19th, Rama announced Sunday. The formation of this council and the commitments made by its members are rapidly evolving, with pledges totaling over $5 billion for the reconstruction of Gaza and a commitment of thousands of troops for stabilization efforts, according to statements from the Trump administration.
The announcement comes as international attention focuses on potential new approaches to conflict resolution and humanitarian aid. Rama revealed his plans during an appearance on an Albanian podcast, stating he would be present for the “official launch” of the Peace Council and the start of its activities. He previously communicated his willingness to contribute to the initiative in a letter to Trump, expressing it was “both an honor and a privilege” to offer support to the effort, which aims to translate vision into action.
Trump’s Vision for the Peace Council
President Trump has positioned the Peace Council as a potentially groundbreaking international body. He stated the council, comprised of leaders he personally invited, will become “the most influential international organization in history.” A key component of the council’s initial focus is the dire situation in the Gaza Strip. Members have reportedly pledged over $5 billion for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts, a commitment Trump announced on his Truth Social platform. Polsat News reported on February 15, 2026, that this figure represents a significant financial undertaking.
Beyond financial aid, the Peace Council is also calling for a substantial deployment of troops to support stabilization forces in Gaza. Trump indicated that member states would contribute “thousands” of soldiers to maintain security and peace for the region’s residents. This commitment to both financial and military support signals a multifaceted approach to addressing the complex challenges facing Gaza.
Albania’s Role and Regional Participation
Prime Minister Rama’s participation underscores Albania’s willingness to engage in international diplomatic efforts. His acceptance of Trump’s invitation follows a period of increased engagement from Albania on regional and international issues. The Albanian leader’s presence at the inaugural meeting highlights the country’s commitment to fostering peace and stability.
Romania is also expected to be represented at the Peace Council’s launch, though as an observer. Romanian President Nicusor Dan announced his intention to attend on Facebook, stating Romania’s “firm support for international efforts for peace” and its openness to participating in the reconstruction of Gaza. Interia reported on February 16, 2026, that delegations from at least 20 countries are expected to participate in the meeting.
Conditions for Progress in Gaza
Whereas the financial and military commitments represent a significant step, President Trump has emphasized the importance of Hamas fulfilling its obligations, specifically disarmament. The success of the Peace Council’s efforts in Gaza is contingent upon a commitment to peace from all parties involved. The administration has indicated that the pledged aid and security support are tied to demonstrable progress towards a lasting resolution to the conflict.
The establishment of the Peace Council comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the United Nations and its effectiveness in addressing global crises. Trump has been critical of the UN, suggesting it often creates more problems than it solves. The new council represents an attempt to create a more streamlined and action-oriented approach to international diplomacy, bypassing what some perceive as bureaucratic hurdles within existing international organizations. Onet News detailed this context on February 16, 2026.
Next Steps and Ongoing Developments
The inaugural meeting of the Peace Council on February 19th is expected to yield further details regarding the implementation of the pledged aid and the deployment of stabilization forces. The Institute of Peace Donald J. Trump will host the event in Washington, D.C. Further announcements are anticipated regarding the specific roles and responsibilities of member states, as well as a timeline for the disbursement of funds and the arrival of troops. The international community will be closely watching to see how this new initiative unfolds and whether it can deliver on its ambitious goals.
The situation in Gaza remains fluid, and the success of the Peace Council will depend on a complex interplay of political, security, and humanitarian factors. Continued monitoring of developments and a commitment to dialogue will be crucial in the days and weeks ahead.
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