Experts React: Kazakhstan to Join the Abraham Accords
President Donald Trump announced Kazakhstan's decision to join the Abraham Accords during a White House meeting with Kazakh President Kassym Jomart-Tokayev and other Central Asian leaders. This marks an increased focus on Central Asia in US diplomacy.
The Abraham Accords, established by the United States in 2020, aim to normalize relations between Israel and several Muslim-majority countries. The announcement was made on Thursday in Washington, DC, at the C5+1 summit attended by leaders from Kazakhstan and four other Central Asian nations.
Implications for Kazakhstan, Israel, and the US
Experts shared their views on how this move will affect regional and international relations.
- Daniel B. Shapiro:
This is no great breakthrough, but it holds some symbolic value.
- Sarah Zaaimi:
A broader pan-Abrahamic bloc is forming.
- Andrew D’Anieri:
Kazakhstan wants as many partners as it can get.
- Danny Citrinowicz:
A failed attempt to revive the Abraham Accords “brand.”
- Nic Adams:
Kazakhstan seizes an opportunity to partner with the US.
Background on Kazakhstan-Israel Relations
Kazakhstan has maintained diplomatic ties with Israel for 33 years. Thus, its recent entry into the Abraham Accords somewhat reiterates existing relations rather than establishing entirely new ones. This situation is similar to Morocco's agreement with Israel, viewed as a reopening of ties dating back to the 1990s, separate from the original Abraham Accords.
Overall, Kazakhstan's accession reflects both symbolic diplomatic signaling and a strategic effort to diversify its partnerships in the region.
Author's summary: Kazakhstan's joining the Abraham Accords highlights a strategic deepening of US-Central Asia ties and reflects evolving regional alliances around Israel.