Netanyahu thanks Kazakhstan's Tokayev for Abraham Accords decision

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thanked Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the country’s decision to join the Abraham Accords.

The remarks were made during a telephone conversation between the two leaders, held at the initiative of the Israeli side, during which they also agreed to maintain active contacts, including the possibility of high-level visits.

Kazakhstan announced its intention to accede to the US-brokered Abraham Accords on Thursday, 6 November 2025, becoming the first country to do so during Donald Trump’s second presidential term.

The Abraham accords were introduced during President Trump's first stint at the White House aiming to normalise relations between Israel and other states in the Middle East and Arab World.

The accords have since taken on a broader diplomatic and political significance beyond the Middle East.

In Astana, the decision was described as consistent with Kazakhstan’s established foreign policy approach, which emphasises engagement with a wide range of international partners.

The announcement was made against the backdrop of President Tokayev’s visit to Washington, a timing that has drawn attention to the wider geopolitical context surrounding the move.

Kazakh authorities have however stressed that joining the Abraham Accords does not alter the country’s official position on the Palestinian-Israeli settlement.

• Abraham Accords: Everything you need to know about the historic agreement

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated that Kazakhstan continues to support a resolution based on international law, relevant United Nations resolutions and the principle of two states for two peoples.

Kazakhstan and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations for more than 30 years.

Analysts note that the current decision comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and changing economic and logistics patterns between East and West.

From their perspective, participation in the accords provides additional avenues for cooperation with Israel, the United States and Gulf states, particularly in areas related to investment, technology and security.

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