Turkey’s Bid to Join BRICS: A Shift in Global Alliances

Turkey Seeks to Expand Global Influence

Turkey has officially applied for membership in the BRICS nations, according to BRICS chairman Yuri Ushakov. The announcement was made on September 4 at the 9th Eastern Economic Forum, where Ushakov confirmed that Turkey’s request for full membership would be considered by the BRICS countries.

A recent report by Bloomberg revealed that Turkey’s bid to join BRICS is part of its efforts to establish alliances beyond its traditional Western partners. The report noted that BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, would discuss expansion at its upcoming summit in Russia in October.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Turkey aims to increase its global influence and build new ties beyond its traditional Western allies. The Erdoğan administration believes that the geopolitical center of gravity is shifting away from developed countries, prompting Turkey to seek new alliances.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has received an invitation to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, further fueling speculation about Turkey’s bid. Ushakov confirmed that Erdoğan accepted Russia’s invitation to attend the summit in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan.

The European Union (EU) has responded to reports of Turkey’s bid to join BRICS. Peter Stano, spokesperson of the European Commission on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated that Turkey could decide what was best for itself, form alliances, and cooperate, like any country. However, Stano emphasized that candidate countries must respect EU values and obligations under agreements.

Stano noted that countries admitted to the EU must fully align all their policies, including those related to trade agreements, with those of the EU. This statement highlights the potential implications of Turkey’s bid to join BRICS on its relations with the EU.