Azerbaijan has accepted the invitation to be a founding member of US President Donald Trump's Peace Council. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan released information about this.
Modern.az reports that approximately 60 leaders from around the world have been invited to participate in the project initiated by US President Donald Trump. Some of them, like Azerbaijan, will be founding members. Among those invited are the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Hungary, Italy, Brazil, India, and Turkey. Trump will be the first chairman of the Peace Council.
The Council will primarily raise funds for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. An executive committee and an executive board for the Gaza Strip are also planned to be established here. Both bodies will include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff, and several other individuals.
The Palestinian National Management Committee, which has been granted the authority to govern the Gaza Strip, will also operate under the leadership of the council. The committee is chaired by Ali Shaath, former Deputy Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority.
The White House stated that countries must contribute $1 billion to extend their participation from three years to permanent membership. However, some countries are also expected to pay less, approximately $20 million.
Several countries have already confirmed their participation in the Peace Council. In addition to Azerbaijan, this list includes the United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Morocco, Hungary, and Canada.
However, there are also many countries that have rejected the proposal. For instance, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to withdraw from the Council. British officials have stated that they do not intend to join an organization that demands high fees for permanent membership. Furthermore, the British Prime Minister is concerned about the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the council.
France is also reported to be unwilling to respond positively to Trump's initiative.
US media, however, reported that Trump wants to hold a signing ceremony for the establishment of the Peace Council tomorrow at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
