Minister: Türkiye gets invitation to join BRICS as partner country

Türkiye has received an offer to become a partner country of BRICS, as announced by the country's Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat.

"Türkiye has been invited to become a partner country in BRICS, and this is a transitional process," Bolat said, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

The Turkish minister emphasised that membership in BRICS would bring significant benefits to  Türkiye enabling it to collaborate with all key global platforms.

Thus, Türkiye has formally applied to join the BRICS group of emerging-market nations, seeking to enhance its global stature and build new alliances beyond its traditional Western partners, sources familiar with the matter have revealed.

According to these sources, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's government believes the geopolitical focus is shifting away from developed economies.

Türkiye's new diplomatic strategy is part of its efforts to engage with multiple global powers while remaining committed to its responsibilities as a member of NATO, the sources added.

The application, submitted several months ago, comes amid frustrations over the slow progress of Türkiye's long-standing bid to join the European Union. It also reflects growing tensions with NATO allies, particularly after Türkiye maintained close relations with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to the sources. Both Türkiye's foreign ministry and presidency have declined to comment on the matter.

President Erdoğan emphasised that Türkiye could become a "strong, prosperous, prestigious and effective country" if it successfully manages relationships with both the East and the West. 

"Any approach other than this will not benefit Türkiye, but harm it," he stated.

The BRICS bloc, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded, welcoming four new members earlier this year: Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Egypt.

By Aghakazim Guliyev