On Tuesday, September 3, a senior official confirmed Turkey’s interest in joining the BRICS group of developing countries, though there was no indication that Turkey has formally applied for membership.
Bloomberg News reported on Monday that Turkey had indeed submitted a formal application to join BRICS several months ago. In response, Omer Celik, spokesperson for Turkish President Erdoğan’s ruling party, acknowledged that Erdoğan has “repeatedly” expressed Turkey’s desire to join BRICS.
Celik stated, “Our position on this issue is clear. The process is ongoing, but there has been no concrete progress yet. Our president has made it clear that Turkey wishes to participate in all significant platforms, including BRICS.”
BRICS, founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, expanded in 2010 with South Africa’s inclusion and has recently added Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. Saudi Arabia has shown interest, and Azerbaijan has formally applied.
BRICS aims to amplify the voice of the Global South and promote a more equitable global order, advocating for reforms in institutions like the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.
For over twenty years, Erdoğan has sought to craft a more independent foreign policy and enhance Turkey’s global influence. Frustration with stalled EU accession talks has been evident.
Last week, Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey should foster relationships with both the East and West simultaneously, stating, “We do not need to choose between the EU and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Instead, we must develop relations with both and other organizations on a win-win basis.”
BRICS is expected to address new member admissions at its upcoming meeting in Russia next month.
Turkey, spanning both Europe and Asia, joined NATO in 1952. EU membership negotiations, which began in 2005, have stalled due to concerns over democratic backsliding under Erdoğan’s government and ongoing disputes with EU member Cyprus.
Earlier this year, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan mentioned that Turkey is “exploring new opportunities for cooperation with various platforms, including BRICS.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, also confirmed Turkey’s interest in joining BRICS on Monday.