Turkiye has formally applied to join the BRICS group of emerging-market nations, aiming to boost its global influence and diversify ties beyond traditional Western alliances, Bloomberg said.
The application, made months ago, signals Turkiye’s desire to shift its geopolitical focus as the balance of power moves away from developed economies, according to sources familiar with the matter who requested anonymity.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration sees this move as part of a broader strategy to engage with all sides in a multipolar world while maintaining its commitments as a key NATO member.
Turkiye’s move reflects frustration with its stalled bid to join the European Union and tensions with fellow NATO members, particularly after it maintained close ties with Russia following the start of Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.
The BRICS group—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—recently expanded to include Iran, the United Arab Emirates, KSA, Ethiopia, and Egypt.
The potential for further enlargement, including Turkiye’s bid, could be discussed at the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, from October 22-24.
Other countries, such as Palestine, Malaysia, Thailand, and Azerbaijan, are also interested in joining.
BRICS positions itself as an alternative to Western-dominated institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). New members could benefit from access to financing through the group’s development bank and expanded political and trade relationships.
Turkiye believes that BRICS membership could enhance economic cooperation with Russia and China, making Turkiye a key trade conduit between the EU and Asia.
The country is also positioning itself as a potential hub for gas exports from Russia and Central Asia.
Erdogan has long criticized Western nations for hindering Turkiye’s ambitions for a self-sufficient defense industry and a strong economy. He has called for reforms to the United Nations Security Council and expressed interest in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, led by Russia and China, as a counterbalance to NATO.
In line with these efforts, Erdogan’s administration is courting Chinese investment, particularly from electric carmakers, who could benefit from Turkiye’s customs union with the EU.
Despite its BRICS bid, Turkiye continues efforts to revive its EU membership talks, which have been ongoing since 2005.
Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that EU membership remains a “strategic target” and that Turkiye does not need to choose between the EU and other global organizations.