Turkish Parliament Speaker expresses high hopes for BRICS membership during Moscow talks

Türkiye’s Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus expressed optimism on Tuesday regarding the country’s membership in the BRICS economic group, hoping it will be realized “as soon as possible” during discussions with Russian Federation Council Chairwoman Valentina Matvienko in Moscow.

Kurtulmus reiterated Türkiye’s “clear and sincere intention” to join new alliances that promote a multipolar world, highlighting that its BRICS membership would significantly contribute to global peace.

He noted ongoing exchanges between Ankara and Moscow in this context.

Goal of $100B trade volume

He emphasized the importance of strengthening Türkiye-Russia relations, stating that the two countries are progressing toward the ambitious goal of achieving a $100 billion trade volume set by Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin.

Kurtulmus remarked that Türkiye has refrained from participating in unilateral sanctions against Russia, citing potential political consequences and negative impacts on the Russian populace.

These sanctions are incorrect in terms of rule-based international relations and have historically not yielded positive results.

Numan Kurtulmus

He expressed hopes that the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant will commence energy production in 2025 and emphasized the mutual benefits of cooperation in energy transmission, particularly through the TurkStream natural gas pipeline.

Matvienko characterized Kurtulmus’ visit as significant for Moscow, suggesting it would elevate bilateral ties and enhance inter-parliamentary relations.

She noted that commercial and economic cooperation between Türkiye and Russia is strengthening, aided by the contributions of both Erdogan and Putin.

Crime against humanity: Gaza

Kurtulmus also addressed the situation in Palestine, indicating a shared stance with Russia on the crimes committed in the Gaza Strip. He condemned the Israeli government’s actions, labeling them “a crime against humanity,” and urged accountability in international courts.

He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to seeking peace in Gaza, delivering humanitarian aid, ending Israel’s occupation, addressing recent attacks in the occupied West Bank, and establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.

“Countries like Türkiye and Russia, which stand by the Palestinian people, must mobilize all their resources to strengthen the humanitarian front and achieve peace in Palestine,” he stated, noting a serious cooperation and common perspective with Russia on this matter.

Since a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7 last year, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 Israelis, Israel has conducted a relentless offensive against Gaza. According to local health authorities, Israeli strikes have claimed the lives of nearly 41,400 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, and left over 95,700 injured.

Tensions have escalated between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah amid rising cross-border attacks and increasing fears of a full-scale war in the region.