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Kazakhstan is in the final stages of joining the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalize relations between Israel and Muslim-majority countries. Kazakhstan already maintains diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, so this move is mainly symbolic. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that this relationship goes beyond just diplomatic ties, fostering a partnership geared toward economic growth and regional collaboration.
President Trump announced that Kazakhstan would soon officially join the accords following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. A signing ceremony is anticipated shortly, with more countries expected to join the initiative, which Trump considers a display of strength in regional diplomacy.
The Kazakh government stated that negotiations are nearing completion and reiterated that joining the accords aligns with Kazakhstan’s foreign policy principles of dialogue, mutual respect, and regional stability. This potential expansion comes amid ongoing regional shifts, with the U.S. aiming to bolster influence in Central Asia—a region traditionally under Russian dominance, but increasingly sought after by China.
Trump also met with four Central Asian leaders—Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—at the White House. He indicated that some of these nations may also be joining the Abraham Accords soon.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff indicated he would return to Washington for the announcement, with reports initially pointing to Kazakhstan as the country set to join. The U.S. hopes this expansion will reinvigorate the accords, which have already established ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco under Trump’s administration.
While there is optimism about Saudi Arabia potentially joining the accords following a recent ceasefire in Gaza, the kingdom remains cautious, seeking a pathway to Palestinian statehood prior to making such a move. Meanwhile, other Central Asian countries like Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, which maintain close relations with Israel, are also considered likely candidates to join the initiative. Trump views the expansion of the Abraham Accords as a significant foreign policy achievement from his first term.
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