Towards a Broader Abraham Accords: Summit Explores Peace Framework's Expansion into Asia - Faith & Freedom News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 6, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic development, lawmakers and international leaders are gathering today at the Capitol Visitors Center to discuss expanding the Abraham Accords peace framework into Asia, marking a potential new chapter in Middle East-Asia relations.

The summit, titled “Towards a Broader Abraham Accords: Embracing Asia’s Potential,” brings together representatives from Muslim-majority Asian nations, Israeli officials, and U.S. lawmakers to explore opportunities for extending the historic peace agreements that have transformed Middle Eastern geopolitics since 2020.

Building Bridges Beyond the Middle East

The event, co-hosted by the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Collective (AMMWC) and Sharaka, features Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, Co-Chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, who will emphasize the importance of expanding the diplomatic framework eastward.

“The Abraham Accords have already demonstrated unprecedented success in normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations,” Rep. Wasserman-Schultz is expected to say in her remarks. “Extending this framework to include Asian Muslim-majority countries represents the next logical step in building a more comprehensive peace across regions.”

Asian Voices Take Center Stage

A notable aspect of today’s summit is the prominent participation of Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Afghani journalists and officials, signalling potential openings for diplomatic breakthroughs in South Asia.

Ahmed Quraishi, a Pakistani journalist covering national security in the MENA region, will present insights on how the Abraham Accords model could address longstanding tensions in South Asia. Fellow Pakistani journalist Wajid Ali Syed will share perspectives on media’s role in fostering cross-cultural understanding.

A Bangladeshi journalist, Andrew Rozario is scheduled to discuss the economic and cultural benefits that could flow from Bangladesh’s potential participation in an expanded Abraham Accords framework.

Hanifa Girowal, former Deputy Governor of Kabul for Socio-economic and Development Affairs, will discuss the Abraham Accords and their implications for Afghanistan.

Practical Applications and Regional Security

Dr. Nir Boms, Research Fellow at the Moshe Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University, will present research on the tangible economic and security benefits already realized through the original Abraham Accords.

“The data clearly demonstrates that peace dividends extend far beyond diplomatic recognition,” Dr. Boms is expected to highlight. “Trade volume between Israel and Abraham Accords signatories has increased by over 200% since 2020, creating thousands of jobs and spurring innovation across sectors.”

Elie Pieprz, Director of External Affairs for the Yesha Council, will address practical aspects of implementing expanded agreements, focusing on technological cooperation and agricultural innovations that could benefit water-stressed regions across Asia.

Women’s Leadership in Peace-Building

Today’s summit highlights women’s crucial role in advancing international peace efforts. Anila Ali, President of AMMWC, will emphasize how women’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering grassroots support for the Abraham Accords.

“Women are often the unsung heroes of peace-building,” Ali is expected to say. “Our networks across faith communities create the social infrastructure needed for diplomatic agreements to take root and flourish at the community level.”

Soraya M. Deen, President of Muslim Women Speakers, will echo this sentiment, discussing how women’s civic engagement organizations can help translate high-level diplomatic initiatives into tangible community actions.

Looking Forward: Practical Next Steps

The summit will conclude with remarks from Sheikh Musa Drammeh, community organizer and founder of Muslim Media Corporation, who will outline concrete steps for advancing the Abraham Accords framework in Asian contexts.

“This isn’t simply about diplomatic recognition,” Drammeh is expected to emphasize. “It’s about creating sustainable channels for economic, cultural, and educational exchange that benefit ordinary citizens across all participating nations.”

The organizers are anticipated to announce the formation of a working group to develop actionable proposals for expanding the Abraham Accords framework, with a follow-up summit planned for later this year in Dubai.

For more information about today’s summit and upcoming initiatives, visit AMMWEC’s website or contact info@ammwec.org.

About the Abraham Accords

The Abraham Accords, first signed in 2020, normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. The agreements have facilitated unprecedented cooperation in trade, security, technology, and cultural exchange throughout the Middle East and North Africa.