Kazakhstan is set to join the **Abraham Accords**, a diplomatic agreement aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations. This announcement is expected from the U.S. administration during a summit with five Central Asian leaders on **September 14, 2023**. This marks the first expansion of the accords since **2020**, a move that carries symbolic weight given Kazakhstan’s longstanding diplomatic ties with Israel.
The announcement is anticipated to coincide with the **C5+1** meeting, where U.S. officials aim to strengthen economic and security cooperation in the region. U.S. Special Envoy **Steve Witkoff** hinted at the development earlier on Thursday at a finance forum in Miami, although he did not disclose the specific country until now.
Kazakhstan, which established relations with Israel in **1992**, has engaged in trade and diplomatic exchanges with the country over the years. The inclusion in the Abraham Accords represents an effort to elevate this relationship within a broader diplomatic framework. According to **Reuters**, this move is seen as a way to rejuvenate the normalization efforts initiated under former President **Donald Trump**, which previously involved the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.
During this pivotal week, U.S. Secretary of State **Marco Rubio** met with Kazakh President **Kassym-Jomart Tokayev** to discuss opportunities for enhancing commercial trade and investment between the two nations. This meeting reflects the United States’ commitment to fostering closer ties with Central Asian countries, as highlighted by the gathering of leaders from **Kazakhstan**, **Kyrgyzstan**, **Tajikistan**, **Turkmenistan**, and **Uzbekistan** at the White House.
The anticipated announcement from the White House has not yet included the formal text of Kazakhstan’s accession to the accords. Nonetheless, political analysts view this step as a significant addition to the ongoing efforts to broaden the reach and impact of the Abraham Accords.
As the world watches these developments, the implications for Kazakhstan and its relationships in the region could reshape diplomatic strategies and foster new economic partnerships, reinforcing the United States’ influence in Central Asia.
