Turkey could potentially be pursuing affiliation with the BRICS grouping.
It seems like the BRICS bloc is expanding its reach even further. Following several nations joining at the start of the year, Turkey is allegedly pursuing membership, and they might not be the only newcomer.
As per reports from Bloomberg, quoting anonymous sources, Turkey has submitted a formal application to join the BRICS group. The country aims to amplify its global influence and establish connections beyond traditional Western partnerships, according to the news. Turkey is thought to have submitted this application a few months ago, seeking to strengthen its economic collaboration with Russia and China through membership. Moreover, it sees an opening to function as a bridge for East-West commerce.
President Erdogan stated, "Turkey can become a powerful, respected, prosperous, and efficient nation if it manages to maintain harmonious relations with both the East and the West." He further added, "Any other approach will only harm, not benefit, Turkey."
Recently, Erdogan's foreign minister also emphasized the advantages of the alliance. "BRICS is an organization that amplifies the diversity of strategies, identities, and policies within the global economic system," said Hakan Fidan.
Initially, the BRICS nations consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In January, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Egypt joined the alliance. Saudi Arabia was also invited but hasn't taken any actions in this regard yet. The BRICS view themselves as an alternative to the - as they perceive it - Western-dominated entities like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
The possibility of approving Turkey's membership might be discussed at the October meeting in Russia. Alongside Turkey, Malaysia, Thailand, and Azerbaijan are also under consideration as potential candidates.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish President, expressed his desire for Turkey to strengthen its relations with both the East and the West, stating that it could become a powerful nation by doing so. In line with this, Turkey has reportedly submitted a formal application to join the BRICS group, aiming to amplify its global influence and establish connections beyond traditional Western partnerships.
