Washington: The presidents of Romania and Argentina have confirmed they were invited to the first session of US President Donald Trump’s controversial “Board of Peace,” scheduled to take place in Washington on February 19.

Initially intended to supervise the Gaza truce and post-war reconstruction efforts, the board’s scope has expanded over time, raising concerns among critics that it could emerge as a parallel body to the United Nations.

Romania’s President Nicusor wrote on Facebook that his country has yet to decide on participation. “That would depend on discussions with our US partners on the format of the meeting for countries like Romania, which are not currently members of the Board but which wish to be part of it on condition its charter is revised,” he said.

Argentina’s President Javier Milei, however, confirmed he will attend the meeting, though he will skip a gala at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence that he had previously planned to attend, according to his Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni.

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban also revealed that he had been invited and intends to participate.

Trump launched the “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, with 19 countries signing its founding charter. Critics argue the board may serve broader ambitions, potentially circumventing the UN in Trump’s efforts to reshape global governance.

Permanent members are required to pay $1 billion to join. Some countries, including Croatia, France, Italy, New Zealand, and Norway, have declined to participate, while others have indicated they might consider joining if the board’s charter is revised.

Under the current charter, Trump serves both as chairman and the US representative, with “exclusive authority to create, modify or dissolve entities as necessary” and can only be replaced in the event of “voluntary resignation or as a result of incapacity.”

AFP