Washington DC [US], February 19–20 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that the newly formed “Board of Peace” would “almost be looking over” the United Nations to ensure it functions effectively, as he addressed the inaugural meeting of the panel in Washington.
“The Board of Peace is going to almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly,” Trump said during the meeting, adding that the US would help improve the UN’s facilities and financial stability. “We’re going to make sure its facilities are good. They need help, and they need help money-wise. We’re going to help them money-wise, and we’re going to make sure the United Nations is viable,” he stated.
Emphasising the importance of the global body, Trump said the United Nations has “tremendous potential” and could eventually live up to expectations. “It’s really very important, and I think it’s going to eventually live up to its potential. That will be a big day,” he remarked.
During the meeting, Trump announced that the United States would contribute USD 10 billion to the Board of Peace to support its mission of resolving global conflicts. He said the board would initially focus on reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip.
According to CNN, Trump said several countries — including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait — have collectively pledged over USD 7 billion towards Gaza relief efforts.
He further stated that Indonesia, Morocco, Albania, Kosovo and Kazakhstan have committed troops and police personnel to help stabilise Gaza. Trump added that Egypt and Jordan are providing substantial assistance, including troops, training and support for what he described as a “very trustworthy Palestinian police force.”
Trump also noted that not all attendees at the inaugural meeting were political leaders, mentioning Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, as among those present.
Delegations from more than 40 countries participated in the meeting. However, key United Nations Security Council members — including France, United Kingdom, Russia and China — did not join. The European Union has also opted not to take a seat on the board, as reported by Al Jazeera. India has been invited but has not yet announced a decision.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said he would welcome both China and Russia on the Board of Peace. “A lot of countries are going through the process of getting on the board. I would love to have China and Russia on the board; they have been invited,” he said, adding that neither country has yet announced a decision.
Trump also highlighted his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying, “I have a very good relationship with President Xi. I’m going to China in April. That’s going to be a wild one.” Recalling a previous visit, Trump praised the ceremonial reception he received in China, describing it as “pretty amazing.”
President Trump first proposed the Board of Peace in September as part of a second phase of the US-brokered 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan. According to CNN, the board will oversee a “founding Executive Board” comprising Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. (ANI)
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