Türkiye eyes BRICS membership amid speculation
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (front row 2nd R) greets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) ahead of posing with other leaders ahead of the annual summit of BRICS countries in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 27, 2018. (AA Photo)
Türkiye has reportedly applied for BRICS membership, according to Bloomberg, citing unnamed sources from the Foreign Ministry. AK Party Spokesperson Omer Celik confirmed that while no concrete developments have occurred, Türkiye is indeed aiming to join BRICS.
“Our President has expressed interest in joining BRICS multiple times. We will share any concrete progress,” Celik stated.
What is BRICS?
Formed in 2006, BRICS includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE joining this year. The bloc aims to provide more representation for developing countries on the global stage, challenging Western dominance. By January 2024, BRICS will expand to 10 members, with a combined population of 3.4 billion and an area of 45 million square kilometers.
