Putin expects Erdogan at BRICS summit amid Türkiye’s membership aspirations

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his expectation on Wednesday that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, next month. This announcement comes on the heels of Türkiye’s official application for membership in the group of emerging economies.

During a meeting with Türkiye’s Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus, Putin confirmed his plans to meet Erdogan on October 23, a day after the summit begins. “In October we will see each other again in Kazan at the BRICS summit,” he said, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming discussions.

Kurtulmus has conveyed optimism about Türkiye’s BRICS membership, stating the country has a “clear and sincere intention” to join alliances that promote a multipolar world. He expressed hopes that Türkiye’s accession would be realized “as soon as possible,” highlighting ongoing exchanges between Ankara and Moscow that could facilitate this process.

Türkiye’s application for BRICS membership reflects its aim to enhance its global influence and forge new strategic relationships beyond its traditional Western allies. If admitted, Türkiye would become the first NATO member in the BRICS group, which positions itself as a counterweight to the Western-led global order. Kurtulmus noted that strengthening relations with Russia is essential, especially as both nations aim to achieve a $100 billion trade volume.

While enthusiasm surrounds Türkiye’s membership bid, some challenges loom. Sergey Glazyev, a Russian economist, expressed opposition to Türkiye’s entry into BRICS, citing Erdogan’s statements supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity regarding Crimea. Glazyev argued that such positions are incompatible with BRICS principles, suggesting that Türkiye should reassess its stance on Crimea if it wishes to join the group.

Putin had highlighted the increasing interest in BRICS, revealing that 34 countries have expressed a desire to join the group or participate in its activities. As the summit approaches, the outcome of Türkiye’s application will be closely watched, potentially reshaping the dynamics within both BRICS and the broader geopolitical landscape.

The Kazan summit, set for October 22-24, will not only serve as a platform for Türkiye’s membership discussions but also as an opportunity for world leaders to engage in dialogue on pressing global issues, further solidifying BRICS’s role in international relations.