Kazakhstan to Join Abraham Accords
Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country that has maintained diplomatic ties with Israel since 1992, plans to join the Abraham Accords, according to multiple U.S. media reports. This announcement is expected on Thursday during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to the White House.
Background of Diplomatic Relations
The Central Asian republic established relations with Israel soon after gaining independence from the Soviet Union. Both countries currently have embassies in each other's capitals.
Details on the Abraham Accords
The Abraham Accords, which have successfully normalized ties between Israel and four Arab nations, will soon include Kazakhstan as a new member. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that a new country would join the accords on Thursday.
Religious and Cultural Context
- Kazakhstan is a Muslim-majority country, with about 70% of its population identifying as Muslim.
- It also has a significant Orthodox Christian community.
- Religious expression in public life is relatively restrained compared to other Muslim-majority nations, a legacy of the Soviet era.
Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992, shortly after it gained independence from the Soviet Union.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Thursday that a new country would join the accords, under which four Arab nations have normalized ties with Israel.
The impact of Kazakhstan's participation in the Abraham Accords remains uncertain.
Author's summary: Kazakhstan, already maintaining full diplomatic relations with Israel, is set to join the Abraham Accords, signaling a symbolic but noteworthy step in Middle East and Central Asian diplomacy.