Web Desk (MNN); The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Belarus on Tuesday joined US President Donald Trump’s newly proposed Board of Peace, signaling early international support for Washington’s latest conflict-resolution initiative.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Abu Dhabi had accepted an invitation to become part of the board, adding that the country was ready to actively contribute to its mission of promoting cooperation, stability and shared prosperity. The move formally aligns the UAE with the United States’ new peace initiative.
Bahrain’s foreign ministry also confirmed that it had accepted President Trump’s invitation, joining the Board of Peace as a founding member.
Separately, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed an agreement to join the board. A video released on a presidential Telegram channel showed Lukashenko signing the document, with comments attributed to him expressing hope that Belarus would contribute to peace efforts in Ukraine.
President Trump first proposed the idea of the Board of Peace last September while announcing a plan to end the Gaza conflict. However, invitations sent to world leaders last week outlined a broader mandate for the body, aimed at addressing conflicts worldwide.
According to a draft charter circulated by the US administration to around 60 countries and seen by Reuters, member states seeking to extend their participation beyond three years would be required to contribute $1 billion in funding.
The inclusion of a formal charter in the invitation has raised concerns among some European governments, who fear the initiative could undermine the role of the United Nations. Trump has previously accused the UN of failing to support his peace efforts.
Under the proposal, the Board of Peace would be chaired for life by President Trump. Member countries would initially serve three-year terms unless they pay $1 billion each, which would grant them permanent membership, according to the invitation letter.
The White House said in a post on X that permanent membership would be offered to partner countries demonstrating strong commitment to peace, security and prosperity.
Meanwhile, Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik told daily Aftenposten that Norway would not participate in the initiative in its current form. Norway’s foreign ministry did not immediately comment further.
The United Kingdom also voiced concern over reports that Trump had invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to join the board. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson said London was troubled by the potential inclusion of Putin and Belarusian President Lukashenko.
“Putin is the aggressor in an illegal war against Ukraine and has repeatedly shown he is not serious about peace,” the spokesperson said.
