A NATO ally Turkey has officially requested to join BRICS.
Türkiye seeks to join the BRICS alliance, frustrated by slow EU accession and aiming to diversify its geopolitical ties beyond the West, while still fulfilling its NATO obligations.
Frustrated by stalled progress in its EU accession, Türkiye has officially requested to join the BRICS alliance, seeking to diversify its geopolitical alliances beyond the West, according to sources cited by Bloomberg.
President Erdoğan’s administration views the global balance of power as shifting towards emerging economies. Türkiye’s diplomatic pivot reflects its ambition to strengthen ties across a multipolar world while maintaining its role as a key NATO member. The bid to join BRICS, initiated months ago, stems partly from tensions within NATO due to Türkiye’s close relations with Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Erdoğan has emphasized the importance of improving relations with both East and West, warning that any other approach could harm Türkiye. The BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is expanding and could discuss Türkiye’s membership at an upcoming summit. This move could enhance Türkiye’s economic ties with Russia and China, positioning it as a trade hub between the EU and Asia.
Erdoğan’s government has long criticized Western nations for hindering Türkiye’s aspirations for a self-sufficient defense industry and a strong economy. Türkiye believes BRICS membership could boost its economic cooperation and attract investments, particularly from Chinese electric carmakers, leveraging its customs union with the EU.
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