WASHINGTON — In a major diplomatic development, US President Donald Trump announced that Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords, marking a significant step toward normalized relations between Israel and Muslim-majority nations.
The announcement followed Trump’s call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, where both sides discussed advancing peace and economic cooperation in the region.
“Our anticipated accession to the Abraham Accords represents a natural and logical continuation of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy — grounded in dialogue, mutual respect, and regional stability,” said the Kazakh government in an official statement.
Symbolic but Strategic Move
While Kazakhstan already maintains diplomatic and economic relations with Israel, joining the Abraham Accords formalizes its position in a growing regional alliance.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that Kazakhstan’s participation goes beyond symbolism, noting,
“It’s an enhanced relationship that fosters unique economic partnerships and regional collaboration.”
The decision follows a meeting between Trump and five Central Asian leaders — from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan — as Washington works to expand influence in a region long dominated by Russia and increasingly courted by China.
Reinvigorating the Accords
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed he was returning to Washington for the formal announcement, with sources indicating that Kazakhstan’s inclusion could revitalize the Abraham Accords, which had slowed amid the Gaza conflict.
First launched in 2020, the Abraham Accords saw the UAE and Bahrain establish diplomatic ties with Israel, followed by Morocco later that year — a key foreign policy achievement of Trump’s first term.
Trump expressed optimism about further expansion, hinting that Saudi Arabia might eventually join once progress is made on the Palestinian statehood issue.
“Some of the countries represented here are going to be joining the Abraham Accords,” Trump said, suggesting more regional nations may follow.
Regional Outlook
Observers believe Kazakhstan’s inclusion could encourage other Central Asian nations like Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan — both maintaining friendly relations with Israel — to join the accords in the near future.
As Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares for a White House visit on November 18, analysts expect renewed diplomatic momentum toward expanding the accords and strengthening multilateral partnerships across the Muslim world.
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