Türkiye’s relations with BRICS not an alternative to existing alliances: Erdogan

Türkiye’s evolving relationships with the BRICS group are not intended as alternatives to its current international engagements, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asserted on Monday.

Speaking after a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, he emphasized, “Our developing relations with BRICS are by no means, and can never be, an alternative to our existing engagements. We are not changing course. Instead, we strive to claim our rightful place in the changing global system with a Türkiye-centered approach.”

Reaffirming Türkiye’s balanced foreign policy, “We go wherever Türkiye’s interests lie, and we develop cooperation in that direction,” Erdogan added.

“The main pillar of our foreign policy is the axis of Türkiye,” he added, reinforcing Türkiye’s independent approach to global diplomacy.

Erdogan also highlighted Türkiye’s commitment to its status as a longstanding NATO ally and its pursuit of full EU membership, stating that Türkiye seeks to engage on all relevant international platforms.

Regarding his recent participation in a BRICS summit in Russia, Erdogan noted that Türkiye aims to foster cooperation in directions that align with its national interests.

‘Türkiye determined to advance defense capabilities’

In the aftermath of last week’s terrorist attack by the terrorist organization PKK/YPG on the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) headquarters in Ankara, which resulted in five fatalities and 22 injuries, Erdogan reported that Türkiye has targeted over 470 sites and eliminated 213 terrorists.

He remarked that Türkiye has “crumpled up messages” intended by the terrorist act against its defense industry.

Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s determination to advance its defense capabilities, declaring, “We will decisively continue our leaps in the defense industry, which is a source of pride for our country on the global stage.”

The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU, has waged a 40-year campaign against Türkiye, resulting in the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and the elderly. YPG is its extension in Syria.