NATO member Turkey has applied for membership in the BRICS bloc of developing economies, as confirmed by a senior Kremlin official. The application for full membership was submitted by Turkey and will be considered by the bloc, which is currently chaired by Russia. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed aspirations for Turkey to join the BRICS alliance, although formal confirmation of the application is pending.
The BRICS alliance, established in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010, aims to amplify the voice of major emerging economies to counterbalance the Western-led global order. Recent expansions have seen Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates join the alliance, with Saudi Arabia considering membership and Azerbaijan and Malaysia having formally applied.
Erdogan's desire to enhance Turkey's global influence and pursue a more independent foreign policy aligns with the country's frustration over stalled EU membership talks and concerns over democratic regression. Turkey, a NATO member since 1952, began EU accession negotiations in 2005, which have faced obstacles related to governance issues and disputes with EU member Cyprus.
BRICS is set to discuss potential new members at an upcoming meeting in Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for Turkey's interest in joining the alliance, emphasizing a desire for closer collaboration to address common challenges. Turkey's intention to simultaneously strengthen ties with both Eastern and Western partners reflects its strategic positioning between Europe and Asia.
Overall, Turkey's application for BRICS membership signals its efforts to diversify its international alliances and assert its presence on the global stage, amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics and shifting power structures.
