Metro Manila, Philippines – United States President Donald Trump has invited the Philippines to join a U.S.-led multinational body aimed at advancing post-conflict solutions, including the reconstruction of Gaza, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said Thursday, Feb. 5.
Romualdez said Trump sent a personal letter addressed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., inviting him to become a member of the so-called Board of Peace, a body Washington is promoting as part of its broader peace initiative in the Middle East.
“In fact, President Trump gave me a personal letter addressed to President Marcos, inviting him to be a member of the Board of Peace,” Romualdez told reporters on the sidelines of the ceremonial kickoff of the 80th anniversary of Philippines-U.S. relations in Pasay City.
Romualdez said Manila is still studying what kind of commitment would be required should the Philippines accept the invitation.
“Of course, we have to find out how we can be of help. We’ve always been for finding a way to contribute to any kind of peace effort,” he said.
He said there is no deadline for the Philippines to respond, but added that the government could make a decision within the next few weeks.
“Our Department of Foreign Affairs and our other institutions are looking at the different angles and how we can help,” Romualdez said.
The envoy clarified that reports of a required $1 billion contribution apply only to countries seeking permanent membership in the board.
The Board of Peace was launched on Jan. 22 at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland and is being promoted as a key element of a U.S.-led plan to end the conflict in Gaza and help restore stability in the region.
