DAVOS, Switzerland – Kazakhstan has become one of the first nations to join a newly formed international body spearheaded by former U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling a potentially significant shift in diplomatic alignments. The move, announced Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, raises questions about the board’s ambitious goals and financial commitments.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the charter for the “Board of Peace” after reportedly receiving an invitation earlier this week, according to Ruslan Zheldibay, Assistant Press Secretary to the President.
“President Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to making a meaningful contribution to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, strengthening interstate trust, and global stability,” Zheldibay stated.
The board, which received endorsement from the United Nations Security Council late last year, initially focused on stabilizing post-war Gaza but has since broadened its scope to encompass wider conflict resolution efforts.
A $1 Billion Commitment?
Membership in the Board of Peace is determined solely by its chairman, Donald Trump, who will retain the position even after leaving office. He currently holds two votes on the panel—one as chairman and one as the sitting U.S. President. A substantial financial commitment is also required: a $1 billion entrance fee for countries seeking a permanent seat, with temporary membership lasting only three years without the payment.
Whether Kazakhstan intends to meet this hefty financial obligation remains unclear. The decision could spark debate domestically, particularly as the country recently implemented a new tax code intended to address a growing budgetary deficit.
During the signing ceremony, video footage showed a cordial exchange between Trump and Tokayev. The Kazakh president’s press service reported that Tokayev highlighted the “365 wins in 365 days” document, circulated at the Davos forum, during their conversation.
The 177th “win” listed in the document was Kazakhstan’s accession to the Abraham Accords, formalized in November during a C5+1 meeting of Central Asian states with the U.S. in Washington. The Abraham Accords represent a series of U.S.-brokered agreements normalizing relations with Israel.
“In addition, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wished the American leader success in pursuing a domestic policy of common sense,” Zheldibay added.
Tokayev has frequently referenced Trump in public statements and praised his policies, including during a recent National Congress primarily focused on domestic issues.
“President Tokayev and President Trump have a very close relationship and they speak frequently,” U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie M. Stufft remarked when presenting her credentials in Astana on January 9.
What are the Abraham Accords? These are U.S.-brokered agreements that aim to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations, fostering regional stability and cooperation.
