Turkey says “we would like to become a member of BRICS”

Turkey has expressed its interest in becoming a member of BRICS, according to Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The country sees joining BRICS as an opportunity to forge new economic partnerships, particularly with rapidly growing markets like China and India. Given Turkey’s struggles with inflation and its weak currency, membership in BRICS could help stabilize its economy through trade deals and investments. However, joining BRICS is not solely an economic move for Turkey. The country also wants to diversify its political alliances, as its relationship with the European Union and the United States has been strained. By exploring membership in BRICS, Turkey hopes to free itself from the need for Western approval and forge new partnerships with countries like China and India, which are leading in areas such as resources and technology. Turkey is particularly interested in collaborations in sectors like energy, transport, and telecom. Additionally, access to new sources of funding and credit through BRICS could provide financial stability amidst the uncertainty of global markets. Turkey’s potential membership is expected to be a key topic of discussion at the upcoming BRICS meetings, with the Kremlin voicing support. However, there are considerations to take into account, notably Turkey’s membership in NATO and the potential implications for its relationship with the West. While some NATO allies are concerned that Turkey’s interest in BRICS could indicate a shift away from Western alignment, Turkish officials have emphasized that joining BRICS is not intended to replace NATO or the EU. Instead, Turkey aims to have more options and foster economic cooperation, without burning bridges. Furthermore, if Turkey plays its cards right, its position in BRICS could enable it to assist NATO with security issues in the Black Sea region, serving as a bridge between different geopolitical spheres.