By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
United States President Donald Trump has invited the Philippines to join the Board of Peace (BOP), a US-initiated multinational body aimed at advancing post-conflict solutions, specifically the Gaza reconstruction.
Philippine Ambassador to US Jose Manuel Romualdez on Thursday said Trump, through the White House, has sent a personal letter addressed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inviting him to be a member of the BOP.
At present, Romualdez said Manila is still looking at what kind of commitment is being asked of the Philippines.
“Of course, we have to find out how we can be of help. We’ve always been [looking] for finding a way to contribute to any kind of peace effort,” he told reporters in an interview on the sidelines of the launch of commemorative logo for the 80th US-Philippines anniversary in Pasay City.
“If this is something that the Philippines can be part of, then very likely, we’ll accept the invitation,” he added.
The envoy said there is no specific deadline as to when Manila is expected to respond, but said the country “will probably be able to commit sometime within the couple of next weeks.”
“Our Department of Foreign Affairs and, of course, our other institutions, we are looking at what are the angles and how we can help,” Romualdez said.
Meanwhile, he said the reported $1 billion contribution is only for those seeking to be permanent members.
“We were invited, perhaps to be part of it. Maybe we can contribute our human resources or something along those lines, but I don’t think at this point in time we can afford to put any kind of amount of money outside,” he said.
The BOP, launched at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Jan. 22, is being billed as a vital part of a US-led peace plan to end conflict in Gaza and restore peace and stability in the region.
The board is expected to provide strategic oversight and mobilize international resources during the transition in the enclave.
Indonesia and Vietnam are currently the only Southeast Asian states to join the body.
