Kazakhstan to Join Abraham Accords in Symbolic Gesture
Kazakhstan announced on Thursday its intention to join the Abraham Accords, a symbolic step aimed at strengthening an initiative that was a key achievement of President Donald Trump's first term.
Background of Diplomatic Relations
Kazakhstan has maintained diplomatic relations with Israel since 1992, soon after gaining independence following the Soviet Union's collapse. Unlike the countries originally involved in the Abraham Accords—Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates—Kazakhstan is geographically distant from Israel.
Details of the Announcement
The move was first confirmed to The Associated Press by three U.S. officials who requested anonymity due to the plans not being publicly disclosed yet. The decision is widely regarded as symbolic rather than a shift in diplomatic stance.
"Kazakhstan is set to join the Abraham Accords between Israel and Arab and Muslim majority countries in a symbolic move aimed at boosting the initiative."
Contextual Information
The Abraham Accords initially resulted in Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates normalizing relations with Israel. Kazakhstan’s decision reinforces support for the agreement but does not represent new diplomatic relations.
Supporting Visuals
FILE - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Commonwealth of Independent States summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan (October), as documented by Vladimir Smirnov/AP via Pool Sputnik Kremlin.
Author's summary: Kazakhstan's symbolic accession to the Abraham Accords highlights its longstanding Israel ties and bolsters a key U.S. foreign policy initiative from President Trump's administration.