Sa’ar Urges Stable, Moderate Alliance in Kazakhstan Opportunity
In a significant diplomatic meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met with his Kazakh counterpart, Yermek Kosherbayev. This meeting emphasized the importance of stable and moderate alliances within the region.
Key Topics Discussed
During the discussions, the two ministers addressed a variety of pressing issues:
- Bilateral relations between Israel and Kazakhstan
- Regional security challenges
- The situation in Gaza
- The Abraham Accords and their impact
Israel’s Commitment to Hostage Recovery
Sa’ar expressed deep sorrow regarding the recent loss of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage held by Hamas in Gaza. He noted Gvili’s return for burial in Israel as an emotional moment that underscores Israel’s commitment to bring home all hostages, whether alive or deceased.
Support for the Trump Plan
Addressing safety in Gaza, Sa’ar reiterated Israel’s backing of the Trump Plan. He highlighted the necessity for Hamas’s disarmament and Gaza’s demilitarization to ensure both Israel’s security and a better future for Gazans.
Regional Security Concerns
Sa’ar underscored the need for dismantling Iran-backed groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis to achieve lasting regional stability. He emphasized that while conflicts escalate with the Iran-led radical axis, the Abraham Accords have successfully maintained strong alliances among moderate states over the past two years.
Kazakhstan’s Role in the Abraham Accords
Sa’ar expressed gratitude towards Kazakhstan for joining the Abraham Accords, marking it as the first Central Asian country to take such a step. He described this move as bold and aligned with Kazakhstan’s commitment to promoting tolerance and interfaith dialogue.
Historical Significance and Economic Cooperation
The meeting coincided with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, highlighting Kazakhstan’s historical assistance to Jews during WWII. Sa’ar emphasized the importance of tolerance and stressed that cooperative efforts are crucial now more than ever.
Economic collaboration was also a focal point of the meeting. Sa’ar led a high-level delegation of over 30 Israeli representatives from various sectors, including:
- Cybersecurity
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Water management
- Innovation
- Food security
He expressed Israel’s eagerness to boost investment and joint projects with Kazakhstan as part of reinforcing the Abraham Accords.
Looking Ahead
In conclusion, Sa’ar expressed optimism for the future of Israeli-Kazakh relations, thanking Kosherbayev for the warm reception. He extended an invitation for Kosherbayev to visit Jerusalem, confident that their bilateral relationship will flourish in the coming years.
