The Kremlin has announced that Turkey has applied for membership in BRICS, a bloc often seen as an alternative to Western institutions. The announcement was made by Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov. According to Sputnik, Ushakov, speaking at the 9th Eastern Economic Forum, confirmed that Ankara had officially submitted its application for full membership. He stated that Turkey’s request would be evaluated by the BRICS countries, adding, “Turkey has submitted its application for full membership. We will assess it.”
Recently, there were reports in the American media about Turkey’s intention to join BRICS. Additionally, Azerbaijan officially applied for BRICS membership following discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku.
It was also announced that President Erdoğan would attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, from October 22-24, 2024. If accepted, Turkey would become the first NATO country in BRICS.
BRICS, originally formed in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, aims to promote economic cooperation among member states. South Africa joined in 2010. During the 2023 BRICS Summit hosted by South Africa, the leaders of the member countries decided on expansion, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates set to join on January 1, 2024. BRICS countries represent about 45% of the world’s population, and the organization aims to foster both economic and cultural cooperation as an alternative to Western economic alliances
