Turkey has submitted a formal request to join the BRICS group of nations.
Sources told Bloomberg News that Ankara "seeks to bolster its global influence and forge new ties beyond its traditional Western allies." According to them, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes "the geopolitical center of gravity is shifting away from developed economies." Thus, Turkey's decision to join BRICS "reflects its aspirations to cultivate ties with all sides in a multipolar world, while still fulfilling its obligations" as a key member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
"Turkey submitted an application to join BRICS some month ago amid frustration over a lack of progress in its decades-old bid to join the European Union," Bloomberg News continued, citing the same sources. (Related: Turkey signals desire to join BRICS and abandon EU membership dreams.)
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted in early June that BRICS serves as a good alternative to the EU. Later that month, Fidan confirmed that talks between Turkey and BRICS were ongoing.
"The different and beautiful thing about BRICS compared to the EU is that it includes all civilizations and races," said the Turkish foreign minister. "If it can become a little more institutional, it will produce serious benefits."
BRICS takes its name from the five core nations that make up the group – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Four new members – Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates – joined the initial five at the start of 2024.
Other countries such as Malaysia, Thailand and Azerbaijan are also looking to join. Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafeez Nofal said on Aug. 26 that the Palestinian National Authority – which governs the West Bank – is also planning to join BRICS. According to The Cradle, the prospect of BRICS accepting new members could be discussed during its summit in the Russian city of Kazan from Oct. 22 to 24.
Turkey also interested to join other organizations
"While Turkey has long been a member of NATO, accession talks for EU membership have faced several obstacles since they began in 2005," The Cradle noted. Ankara had applied to join the European Economic Community, the EU's predecessor, in 1987.
The sources who spoke to Bloomberg News also noted that Turkey's bid to join BRICS had been partly driven by rifts with fellow NATO members. Compared to the rest of the group that severed ties with Russia in favor of Kyiv, Ankara maintained close links with Moscow following the 2022 onset of the Russia-Ukraine war.
The West then slapped countless sanctions on Russia as a result of the conflict in Ukraine. This led Moscow and other BRICS nations to commence the pursuit of a common currency, ditching the U.S. dollar for trade and circumventing sanctions. The group was successful in this endeavor, with the West's sanctions backfiring as a result.
Fidan also confirmed that Turkey may apply for an upgraded dialogue partnership with the Association of South East Asian Nations. Meanwhile, Erdogan has also shown interest in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) – attending its summit at Kazakhstan's capital Astana in early July.
"We do not have to choose between the EU and the SCO as some people claim. On the contrary, we have to develop our relations with both these and other organizations on a win-win basis," the Turkish leader said.
"Turkey can become a strong, prosperous, prestigious and effective country if it improves its relations with the East and the West simultaneously. Any method other than this will not benefit Turkiye, but will harm it."
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Watch Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov remarking that BRICS members will be one of the backbones of the "new world order" below.
This video is from the Puretrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com.
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