Israel, Kazakhstan explore expanded cooperation during Herzog visit

Israel and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations in 1992, shortly after Kazakhstan gained independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

By Pesach Benson, TPS

The second day of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Kazakhstan continued on Tuesday, as he met with leaders of the local Jewish community in Astana.

“The Jewish story of Kazakhstan spans hundreds of years, now forming a modern relationship. I thank President Tokayev for inviting me on this state visit… I was delighted to meet him, the leadership, and the Jewish community,” Herzog said at Astana’s Beit Rachel Synagogue.

“It is my hope this visit will bring momentum to relations between Israel and Central Asia.”

During the visit, Herzog was briefed on community life, including efforts to preserve Jewish identity, and on the maintenance of educational and religious institutions.

Participants included Chief Rabbi of Kazakhstan Yeshaya Cohen and Rabbi of Astana Shmuel Karnauch.

The Jewish community in Kazakhstan is estimated at approximately 2,500 to 3,500 people, with most concentrated in Almaty and the capital, Astana.

On Monday, Herzog was received by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Presidential Palace in Astana. The two held a private meeting, followed by an expanded discussion with senior officials.

The talks took place as Israel continues efforts to expand engagement with Central Asian states, particularly in the fields of trade, technology, and innovation.

Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, with emphasis on economic cooperation, technological development, and regional stability.

Herzog also addressed an event marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day, attended by senior Kazakh officials, government ministers, diplomats, and members of the diplomatic corps.

“I commend President Tokayev for his leadership in joining the Abraham Accords and for inviting me here. We stand at a critical crossroads for the region. Our choices matter,” Herzog insisted.

“The war with Iran has helped isolate the Iranian-led axis, which has sought chaos and terror for decades. Our activity has been strengthened by an alliance of moderates and a coalition of nations seeking cooperation through the Abraham Accords. This coalition can shift the trajectory of the Middle East and Eurasia across trade, innovation, energy, medicine, and security.”

Kazakhstan formally joined the Abraham Accords in November 2025, expanding the framework of normalization agreements between Israel and additional states beyond the Middle East.

Israel and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations in 1992, shortly after Kazakhstan gained independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Kazakhstan is a secular Muslim-majority country known for relative stability and for maintaining tolerance toward its ethnic and religious minorities, including Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Tatars, and a Jewish community.

Bilateral relations between Israel and Kazakhstan focus on cooperation in agriculture, water management, medicine, education, and technology, as well as limited security coordination.

Over the years, Kazakh professionals and researchers have also participated in training programs in Israel.