Kazakhstan set to join Abraham Accords, Trump announces

Kazakhstan plans to join the Abraham Accords, an initiative aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Muslim-majority nations, U.S. President Donald Trump announced, according to Reuters.

Trump stated that he had discussed the decision earlier that day during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, adding that a formal signing ceremony would take place soon, although no exact date was given.

Kazakhstan’s government confirmed Thursday that talks are in their final stages, describing the move as a continuation of its commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and regional stability. Although Kazakhstan already maintains diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, officials in Washington said joining the accords would strengthen regional cooperation and open new opportunities for joint development.

Further signaling deepening engagement, Trump met Tokayev and other Central Asian leaders at the White House on Thursday, signaling renewed U.S. engagement in a region historically influenced by Russia and China.

The expansion of the Abraham Accords — which were initially signed by the UAE, Bahrain and later Morocco in 2020 — had slowed during the recent Gaza conflict. Washington now hopes Thursday’s announcement, with Kazakhstan’s anticipated participation, will revive momentum, with other countries, such as Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, also seen as potential future members.

On the other hand, Saudi Arabia, a regional heavyweight, continues to link normalization of its relations with Israel with progress toward Palestinian statehood.