Experts react: Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords. Here's what that means for the US, the Middle East, and Central Asia

Experts react: Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords

President Donald Trump announced that Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords during a White House meeting with Kazakh President Kassym Jomart-Tokayev and other Central Asian leaders. This move positions Central Asia as a more significant player in US diplomatic efforts.

The Abraham Accords, first brokered by the United States in 2020, sought to normalize relations between Israel and several Muslim-majority nations. The announcement took place in Washington, DC, during the C5+1 summit, attended by Kazakhstan and four other Central Asian countries.

Potential Impacts and Reactions

Experts have varied perspectives on what Kazakhstan’s participation might mean for the US, Israel, and the broader region.

“This is no great breakthrough, but it holds some symbolic value.” — Daniel B. Shapiro
“A broader pan-Abrahamic bloc is forming.” — Sarah Zaaimi
“Kazakhstan wants as many partners as it can get.” — Andrew D’Anieri
“A failed attempt to revive the Abraham Accords brand.” — Danny Citrinowicz
“Kazakhstan seizes an opportunity to partner with the US.” — Nic Adams

Context and Background

Kazakhstan has maintained diplomatic relations with Israel for thirty-three years, making the move to join the Abraham Accords appear largely symbolic. Similarly, Morocco viewed its agreement with Israel as a reopening of ties rather than a completely new initiative under the Accords framework.

Summary

The inclusion of Kazakhstan in the Abraham Accords underscores evolving diplomatic dynamics as Central Asia seeks a stronger role in Middle Eastern and US-led regional cooperation.

Atlantic Council — 2025-11-07