Turkey could potentially be seeking admission into the BRICS alliance.
The BRICS bloc appears to be expanding further, with reports suggesting that Turkey is now seeking membership. This comes after several nations joined at the beginning of the year, with Turkey potentially not being the only new addition.
As per a Bloomberg report based on anonymous sources, Turkey has submitted its application to join the BRICS group. The application was made with the intention to strengthen its global influence and form connections beyond traditional Western alliances. Joining BRICS, Turkey believes, will boost its economic collaboration with Russia and China, positioning it as a crucial hub for East-West trade.
President Erdogan recently stated, "Turkey can flourish into a strong, prosperous, respected, and efficient nation if it manages to improve its relations with both the East and the West simultaneously. Any other approach would only harm, not benefit, Turkey."
Turkey's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, also underscored the advantages of the alliance. He mentioned, "BRICS is a platform that encourages a variety of approaches, identities, and policies within the international economic system."
Until recently, BRICS was made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. However, in January, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Egypt joined the alliance. Saudi Arabia was invited to join but has yet to act upon it. BRICS perceives itself as an alternative to what it views as Western-controlled institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
The fate of Turkey's potential membership is expected to be decided during the October meeting in Russia. Alongside Turkey, Malaysia, Thailand, and Azerbaijan are also being considered for membership.
The European Union expressed its concern about the potential expansion of the BRICS bloc, considering it as a potential threat to its economic and political influence in the region. Interestingly, some analysts suggest that if Turkey joins BRICS, it might also consider applying for membership in the European Union, aiming to establish a balanced involvement in both blocs.
