Türkiye applies for full BRICS membership, Russian presidential aide says

Türkiye has officially submitted an application for full BRICS membership, according to Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov.

BRICS leaders are set to evaluate Türkiye’s application for membership, according to recent reports from Bloomberg. The financial news outlet cited unnamed sources within the Turkish Foreign Ministry as the basis for the information.

Additionally, AK Party Spokesperson Omer Celik confirmed that while no concrete developments have taken place yet, Türkiye is actively pursuing entry into the BRICS alliance.

“Our President has expressed interest in joining BRICS multiple times. We will share any concrete progress,” Celik stated.

Türkiye’s full BRICS membership application

“Türkiye has submitted an application for full BRICS membership. We will consider it,” Ushakov told journalists.

This move aligns with a recent report, which states that Türkiye has formally approached BRICS in pursuit of deeper international relationships. According to the report, Ankara’s motivation lies in diversifying its diplomatic ties and enhancing its role on the global stage.

Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov also confirmed Türkiye’s interest in BRICS membership.

Türkiye’s potential membership to be discussed in Kazan

Since Jan. 1, Russia has held the presidency of BRICS, focusing on bolstering multilateralism to promote equitable global development and security. Alongside founding members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, new members include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

As part of its presidency, Russia will organize over 200 political, economic, and public events. The upcoming BRICS Summit is scheduled for Oct. 22-24 in Kazan.

The BRICS group will consider expansion, including Türkiye’s potential membership, at a summit in Kazan, Russia, from Oct. 22 to 24. Malaysia, Thailand, and Azerbaijan are also among the countries reportedly interested in joining BRICS.

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.