The first meeting of the Peace Council, an initiative launched by US President Donald Trump to manage the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, took place on Thursday, February 19, in Washington. The event brought together leaders and representatives of several states, in the context of the announcement of an initial plan of 5 billion dollars for the reconstruction and humanitarian assistance of the war-torn territory.
Romania participated as an observer, being represented by President Nicușor Dan, seated in the secondary tribune, next to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
“Prime Minister of Romania”
In his opening speech, Donald Trump introduced Nicușor Dan as the “prime minister of Romania”. The wording was spoken naturally, without hesitation, while the American leader was talking about the Romanian people, whom he described: “A wonderful people. The Romanians are fantastic, fantastic, just like you are fantastic. Many come and work in this country and help us. They are people you can count on.”
Asked later about this confusion, the president of Romania reacted with a laugh. “It still happens,” he said, explaining that the American leader works simultaneously with more than a hundred states and that in some countries the president is the central figure, in others the prime minister.
Romania’s speech: 129 seconds
Nicușor Dan’s intervention lasted two minutes and nine seconds to present Romania’s contribution to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
The President spoke about the possibility of increasing the number of flights to evacuate sick children and treat them in Romanian hospitals, mentioning the capacity to support up to 1,000 children and 4,000 members of their families.
He invoked Romania’s expertise in the infrastructure of the emergency system, ambulances, special vehicles and the availability to donate equipment to restore this system. He also mentioned scholarship programs for Palestinian students and the possibility of their expansion, as well as support for rebuilding schools.
In addition, he emphasized that Romania can contribute to the restoration of administrative, police and justice institutions, citing previous experiences in other regions.
“You can count on us,” concluded the head of state.
The red cap
A few minutes before the start of the meeting, Nicușor Dan appeared in the stands with a red cap.
The President of Romania thus becomes the second Romanian head of state to leave Washington with a cap, after Klaus Iohannis.
In a meeting about billions and reconstruction, Romania once again ticked off a cap, not an agreement.
end
At the end of the meeting, Donald Trump stepped off the stage for a few quick hellos. Nicusor Dan approached, shook his hand and tried to prolong the exchange of words. However, the attempt was interrupted by a member of the security team, who discreetly redirected him, while the American leader continued his route.
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