A senior official confirmed that Turkey is interested in joining the BRICS bloc of developing economies, although no formal application has been submitted yet. The BRICS alliance, established in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010, aims to amplify the voice of the Global South and advocate for a fairer world order and reform of international institutions.
Turkey, a NATO member since 1952, has expressed aspirations to become a BRICS member as part of its efforts to pursue a more independent foreign policy and enhance its global influence. President Erdogan has emphasized the importance of engaging with both Eastern and Western partners simultaneously, highlighting the need for a balanced approach in international relations.
While Turkey began EU membership talks in 2005, progress has been hindered by concerns over democratic regression and disputes with EU member Cyprus. Frustrated by the lack of advancement in EU negotiations, Turkey is exploring new opportunities for cooperation with various partners, including potential membership in BRICS.
BRICS, which has recently expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, is set to discuss the admission of new members in an upcoming meeting in Russia. Saudi Arabia is considering joining, and Azerbaijan has already applied for membership. Turkey's interest in joining BRICS has been acknowledged by Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesperson, indicating a growing trend of countries seeking to align with the bloc.
