Kazakhstan is set to join the Abraham Accords, an initiative established during the first administration of former President Donald Trump. This action was announced on Thursday.
This move is distinct from the participation of other Abraham Accord nations, which include Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates. Those countries normalized relations with Israel upon joining the accords. Kazakhstan, conversely, established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992, shortly after gaining independence from the Soviet Union. Geographically, Kazakhstan is located at a greater distance from Israel than the other signatory nations.
Three U.S. officials, speaking anonymously, initially confirmed Kazakhstan's intention to join the accords to The Associated Press. Subsequently, former President Trump posted on his social media platform, stating he had a "great call" involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan. Trump declared Kazakhstan as the "first Country of my Second Term to join the Abraham Accords," describing it as "a major step forward in building bridges across the World" and asserting that "more Nations are lining up to embrace Peace and Prosperity through my Abraham Accords." He also indicated that a signing ceremony would formalize the agreement and that "many more Countries" were seeking to join.
The announcement by Trump occurred shortly before a summit he hosted on Thursday evening with leaders from five Central Asian nations, including Kazakhstan.
U.S. officials indicated that Kazakhstan's participation in the Abraham Accords is considered significant. They noted it is expected to enhance bilateral trade and cooperation between Kazakhstan and Israel and suggests a reduction in Israel's international isolation, particularly in the context of criticism and protests regarding its actions in the conflict in Gaza.
One official stated that a nascent peace plan for Gaza had "completely changed the paradigm," making more countries willing to "move toward the circle of peace." Specific areas mentioned for potential enhanced Israeli-Kazakh cooperation include defense, cybersecurity, energy, and food technology. These areas have previously been subjects of bilateral agreements dating back to the mid-1990s.