BRICS summit to discuss Türkiye’s membership and global issues

As the BRICS Summit approaches, scheduled for October 22-24 in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia has issued a statement regarding Türkiye’s application for full membership in the group.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov emphasized that BRICS membership decisions are made unanimously and expressed respect for Türkiye’s interest in joining. During a press conference on the summit’s preparations, Ryabkov was asked about Türkiye’s application. He stressed the importance of consensus within BRICS, stating, “We respect Türkiye’s desire to join, as we do with all countries interested in systematic engagement with BRICS.”

Erdogan confirms Türkiye’s BRICS participation

Ryabkov also confirmed that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the 16th BRICS Summit. He stated, “President Erdoğan has confirmed his participation in the 16th BRICS Summit in the ‘Outreach/BRICS+’ format. When we welcome the Turkish leader in Kazan, the issue of Ukraine will also be discussed at the highest level.”
Ryabkov noted that BRICS summits address all major global issues, with the Ukraine conflict being a key topic. He added that Russia will use the platform to reiterate the causes of the crisis, emphasizing that Moscow considers Türkiye’s position on the matter.

Türkiye’s BRICS membership conditions highlighted

Ryabkov pointed out that a key condition for BRICS membership is that candidate countries must not impose sanctions on member states. He stressed that applicants must pursue an independent foreign policy, play a significant role in international and regional affairs, maintain strong relations with BRICS countries, and avoid participating in illegitimate sanctions against group members.

Discussing the summit preparations, Ryabkov stated that they are in the final stages and described the event as the largest of its kind. He confidently asserted that the summit will represent a significant step forward in strengthening BRICS and addressing global issues. Ryabkov confirmed that more than 30 leaders from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America have already committed to attending.

Ryabkov also warned Ukraine’s Western supporters to avoid provocations during the Kazan summit. He remarked, “That would be a serious mistake. We are fully prepared and aware of the steps the West is taking to support the most provocative plans of the Kiev regime. We assure our friends, BRICS participants, and guests that every measure will be taken to ensure the summit’s success.”

Finally, Ryabkov announced that BRICS countries have begun work on establishing a grain exchange aimed at improving food security for BRICS nations and other developing countries. However, he noted that discussions about a common BRICS currency are premature, citing differences in the member countries’ approaches to balancing payments, financial markets, and inflation control. “For some time now, our cooperation has focused on strengthening the financial autonomy and sovereignty of member states and developing payment systems that are resilient to external risks to support the normal functioning and growth of trade within BRICS,” Ryabkov concluded.