Party Chief To Lam joins global leaders at first Gaza Board of Peace session

THE HANOI TIMES — US President Donald Trump on February 19 praised the participation of Party General Secretary To Lam at the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., describing Vietnam as an admirable country with a growing international role and influence.

Trump, who serves as the founding chairman of the Board, made the remarks while introducing heads of state and leaders from more than 50 countries, including founding members and observers, at the meeting.

He said the Gaza Board of Peace is designed as a coordination mechanism working alongside the United Nations (UN) to streamline humanitarian assistance, reconstruction efforts and regional stabilization.

At the meeting, speakers outlined key pillars for Gaza’s transitional phase, including restoring security through civilian police forces, accelerating economic recovery, ensuring sustainable relief operations and rebuilding essential public services.

Reconstruction proposals presented at the session included debris clearance, the construction of 400,000 homes, development of hotel complexes, deployment of a 5G network, establishment of logistics systems and the creation of open economic zones.

Nine countries pledged a combined US$7 billion in support of the Gaza Strip, while the United States committed $10 billion to the Board of Peace. The World Bank announced the establishment of a Gaza Reconstruction and Development Fund to manage donor contributions and mobilize additional financing from governments and the private sector.

Vietnam said its participation in the Board aims to contribute to ending the conflict, protecting civilians, ensuring safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, rebuilding critical infrastructure and advancing a credible political process toward lasting peace in the Middle East.

The country reiterated its consistent position that disputes and conflicts must be resolved by peaceful means, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, and with full respect for the legitimate rights and interests of all parties.

Drawing on its own experience of post-war recovery, Vietnam affirmed its readiness to work closely with other Board members and contribute, within its capacity, to humanitarian assistance, reconstruction and confidence-building measures.

Vietnam also expressed support for concrete steps to restore peace, security and livelihoods in Gaza, while calling for an inclusive political process with the participation of all relevant stakeholders, particularly Palestinian authorities, to ensure sustainable and durable peace.