All you need to know about Türkiye’s potential BRICS membership
A man walks outside a venue, which will host a meeting of foreign ministers of the BRICS group of nations, in the city of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia on June 9, 2024 (Reuters Photo)
Türkiye has officially applied for BRICS membership. This group is emerging as a significant player in global power dynamics and is seen as a potential rival to the G20.
Türkiye’s move reflects its strategy to pivot toward non-Western alliances and expand its global influence.
What is BRICS?
Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa comprise the BRICS economic and political coalition. The group will expand to include Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt the UAE, and Ethiopia starting in January 2024, bringing the total number of members to 10.
The objective of BRICS is to promote political dialogue and economic cooperation among significant emerging economies. The BRICS countries collectively have a population of 3.4 billion and a landmass of 45 million square kilometers.
Türkiye’s interest in the BRICS
Türkiye’s interest in becoming a member of the BRICS is motivated by both economic and strategic factors. The nation endeavors to mitigate the economic burdens imposed by Western sanctions and investigate potential avenues for collaboration.
The objective of Türkiye to improve its global status and exert a more significant influence on international affairs is consistent with its membership in the BRICS association.
Key points:
- Economic benefits: BRICS membership could provide Türkiye with access to institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB), which finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects in developing countries. This could be a valuable resource for Türkiye’s large projects.
- Strategic alliances: Joining the BRICS would provide Türkiye with opportunities to forge new international alliances and strengthen relationships, particularly with countries like Iran and Russia. This move is part of Türkiye’s broader strategy to expand its influence on the global stage.
- Relations with the EU: Türkiye’s potential BRICS membership is seen as a complement to, rather than an alternative to, its existing commitments, such as its Customs Union with the European Union. Türkiye is expected to maintain its obligations to the EU while pursuing BRICS membership.
Recent developments:
- Russia’s statements: Russia’s Deputy Head of State and current BRICS head Yuriy Ushakov confirmed that Türkiye has applied for full BRICS membership and that the BRICS countries will review its application. This marks the official start of Türkiye’s membership process.
- Azerbaijan’s application: Türkiye’s request comes at a time when Azerbaijan has also formally applied for BRICS membership, indicating a broader interest in the group among regional players.
- Türkiye’s position: AK Party spokesperson Omer Celik has stated that Türkiye’s desire to join BRICS is clear and that developments will be shared as they occur. President Erdogan has accepted an invitation to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan.
- BRICS Summit: The 16th BRICS Summit, hosted by Russia, will take place from Oct. 22 to 24 in Kazan. This summit could serve as a significant platform for discussing Türkiye’s potential membership.
Türkiye’s bid for BRICS membership represents a strategic effort to reshape its international position and expand its economic influence. This move is part of Türkiye’s broader aim to become a more prominent global player.
