Kazakhstan to Join Abraham Accords, Confirms US Official

Kazakhstan is poised to join the Abraham Accords, a significant development confirmed by U.S. officials recently. This diplomatic move marks an expansion of the accords, originally signed in 2020, aiming to enhance peace and cooperation in the Middle East.

Kazakhstan’s Expected Membership in the Abraham Accords

The Abraham Accords currently include three nations: the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco. In January 2021, Sudan signed a U.S.-brokered declaration but faced internal political challenges that stalled formal relations with Israel.

Upcoming Announcement

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is returning to Washington, D.C., recently confirmed that Kazakhstan’s inclusion is imminent. This announcement is expected to take place during a meeting between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and former President Donald Trump.

Significance of the Accords

The addition of Kazakhstan signals growing interest in joining the Abraham Accords. A U.S. official noted that this expansion reflects a desire among numerous countries to embrace peace in the region.

Recent Developments in Middle Eastern Diplomacy

With this significant shift, attention is also on other countries that may join the accords. Notably, discussions are ongoing regarding Syria and Saudi Arabia, both of which have been mentioned as potential participants in future negotiations.

Future Meetings

Next week, interim President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is expected to meet with Trump, followed by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin-Salman on November 18. These meetings could further influence the dynamics of the Abraham Accords.

• Accords Signing Date: September 15, 2020
• Current Members:
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Bahrain
  • Morocco
• Planned Meetings:
  • Syria’s interim President: Next week
  • Saudi Crown Prince: November 18

This evolving landscape aims to foster greater stability and cooperation among states in the region moving forward.