Turkey has officially applied to join the BRICS group of emerging-market nations in a bid to expand its global influence and establish new alliances beyond its traditional Western partners, according to sources familiar with the matter.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration views the geopolitical landscape as increasingly shifting away from developed economies, the sources said. Turkey’s new diplomatic approach underscores its desire to build relationships in a multipolar world while continuing its commitments as a NATO member, they added.
Turkey’s application to join BRICS reflects growing frustration over the stalled process of its EU membership bid, which has spanned decades. The move also follows tensions with NATO allies after Turkey maintained close ties with Russia, even after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Turkey’s foreign ministry and presidency have declined to comment on the application.
“Turkey can become a strong, prosperous, prestigious, and effective country if it improves its relations with both the East and the West simultaneously,” Erdogan said during a weekend speech in Istanbul. “Any method other than this will not benefit Turkey, but will harm it.”
BRICS, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents some of the largest emerging economies. This year, the group welcomed new members, including Iran, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Egypt, with Saudi Arabia invited but yet to join. The potential further expansion, including countries like Turkey, Malaysia, Thailand, and Azerbaijan, could be discussed at an upcoming summit in Kazan, Russia.
BRICS positions itself as an alternative to Western-led institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF, offering access to financing and enhanced political and trade relationships for its members. Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party has long criticized Western nations for hindering Turkey’s ambitions for an independent defense industry and robust economy.
Erdogan has repeatedly called for reform of the UN Security Council and has expressed interest in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a bloc led by Russia and China that counters NATO. “We do not have to choose between the European Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,” Erdogan stated. “We need to strengthen relations with both on a win-win basis.”
Turkey’s efforts to join BRICS are driven in part by its desire to enhance economic ties with Russia and China and act as a trade link between the EU and Asia. The country aims to position itself as a gas export hub from Russia and Central Asia. Turkey is also seeking to attract investment from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, hoping they can leverage its customs union with the EU to gain access to European markets.
