WASHINGTON: In a significant diplomatic development, former US president Donald Trump announced that Kazakhstan is preparing to join the Abraham Accords — a move that could expand the normalisation framework beyond the Middle East and deepen Central Asia’s engagement with Israel.
According to Trump, the development followed a three-way phone call involving himself, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The discussions reportedly centred on regional stability, economic cooperation, and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Kazakhstan’s government later confirmed that negotiations were in their “final stage,” signalling a continuation of its long-standing policy of balanced diplomacy and constructive regional engagement. The Central Asian nation already maintains full diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, meaning the step is expected to be symbolic in form but potentially strategic in substance.
Diplomatic observers note that Kazakhstan’s inclusion would mark the first expansion of the Accords into Central Asia — an area where global powers including the US, Russia and China actively compete for influence. Analysts believe the move may pave the way for deeper economic partnerships, technological cooperation, and broader regional alignment if formalised in the coming weeks.
While the timing remains sensitive amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Washington appears to be signalling its intention to broaden the coalition of states engaged in normalisation and dialogue with Israel. Trump also hinted that additional countries may follow Kazakhstan’s lead.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.