The Brics+ group is an economic coalition formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The organization advocates for a reform of international institutions to reflect the emergence of new powers. Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Iran officially joined the group this year.
Turkey’s interest in joining Brics is not new, but it is now official. If the request is accepted, Ankara will be the first NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member to join Brics at a time when its relations with the United States and the European Union are becoming increasingly tense.
EU accession process remains blocked
The Turkish request occurs in a regional and international context marked by conflicting interests. Turkey’s ties with Moscow are impacted by the war in Ukraine, just as the American and European support offered to Israel in the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip is criticized for the number of deaths in the Palestinian territory. On the other hand, Ankara’s accession process to the European Union remains stalled.
Although half of Turkey’s trade is still with Europe, the aim is to take advantage of the country’s strategic location between Asia and the European continent.
The process of joining Brics remains complex, and Turkey’s application will be discussed at the upcoming summit of emerging economies, scheduled for late October in Kazan, Russia.
(With AFP)