Albanian MPs tonight approved the government’s decision to join the Peace Council, the US President Donald Trump’s initiative to resolve international conflicts.

Prime Minister Endy Rama called Albania’s membership in the Council an “act of goodwill” and a “special honour” that he said would strengthen the country’s role on the international stage.

Passed with an overwhelming majority

The proposal passed with 110 votes in favour, out of a total of 140 MPs. Rama said Albania’s participation ensured the country would remain “at the table” of international diplomacy, commenting on a statement from Davos by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Neighbouring Kosovo, a close US ally since Washington backed its independence from Serbia in 2008, also joined the council.

Bulgaria’s outgoing government has also agreed to join, and parliament is expected to ratify the decision next week. Bulgarian diplomat Nikolai Mladenov, a former UN special envoy, was elected High Representative for Gaza to the Council.

Bulgaria and Hungary also participate

Bulgaria and Hungary are the only EU countries participating in the Peace Council so far.

Earlier, Britain and France announced that they would not sign the Council’s founding charter, at least for now. Paris considers some elements of this initiative to be contrary to the UN Charter, while Britain is concerned about Russia’s possible involvement in the initiative.