Turkey has officially requested to join the BRICS, according to well-informed sources cited by Bloomberg. The group of BRICS states consists of emerging economies and includes, among others, China and Russia.
As stated in the relevant report by the American outlet, the view of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government is that the geopolitical center of gravity is gradually shifting away from the developed economies of the planet. Therefore, this diplomatic initiative reflects Turkey’s aspirations to cultivate ties with all sides in a multipolar world while continuing to fulfill its obligations as a key member of NATO.
Turkey, which has been balancing between Europe and Asia in recent years, submitted its application to join the BRICS a few months ago amid frustration over the lack of progress in its decades-long effort to join the European Union, sources reported. Turkey’s bid for BRICS is also related to issues that have arisen with other NATO members due to its close ties with Moscow following the invasion of Ukraine. The Turkish Foreign Ministry and the presidency declined to comment.
“Turkey can become a strong, prosperous, high-prestige, and effective country if it improves its relationships with the East and the West simultaneously,” Erdoğan said in Istanbul over the weekend. “Any other method apart from this will not benefit Turkey but will harm it,” he added.
The group of BRICS, which has founding members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, now includes some of the largest emerging economies. It gained four new members in early 2024, with the inclusion of Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Egypt.
The potential further expansion of the BRICS group could be discussed during a summit in Kazan, Russia from October 22 to 24. Malaysia, Thailand, and Turkey’s close ally, Azerbaijan, are among other countries wishing to join.
The BRICS group is presented as an alternative for states looking to avoid Western-dominated institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. New members may potentially gain access to funding through the group’s development bank while simultaneously expanding their political and trade relations.
It should be noted that Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development Party has long accused the West of seeking to limit Turkey’s ambitions for a self-sufficient defense industry and a strong economy. The Turkish president has repeatedly called for a review of the United Nations Security Council to broaden its five permanent members and has expressed interest in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, established by Russia and China as a potential counter to NATO.