Türkiye has formally requested to join BRICS, the bloc of emerging-market nations, signaling a significant shift in its foreign policy aimed at expanding its global influence beyond traditional Western alliances. Turkish officials have confirmed the development, underscoring President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s belief that the geopolitical center of gravity is shifting away from the West toward emerging economies like China and Russia.
Since its inception with and China, and the addition of South Africa in 2010, BRICS has expanded to include 11members. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates joined in 2024. Now known as "BRICS Plus," the group represents 46% of the global population, 29% of the world’s GDP, 43% of oil production, and 25% of global exports.
Türkiye’s economy aligns well with the BRICS bloc. Half of Türkiye’s natural gas imports come from Russia, while the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China aims to link East Asia, the fastest-growing region, with Europe, the largest single market. Türkiye’s strategic position makes it a key distribution hub for the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia.
Türkiye’s desire to join BRICS also reflects its ambition to balance ties in a multipolar world, while still maintaining its obligations as a key member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The timing of Türkiye’s application, which was submitted earlier this year, is important. Türkiye has maintained strong relations with Russia. On the other hand It is playing a significant role in NATO which is flexing muscles against Russia. By becoming a member of BRICS , Turkey will become more influential to mediate between Russia and Washington-led West.
This move can multiply Turkey’s strength as on one side it is an integral member of NATO and on the other side it is growing closeness with Russia and China.
An official from Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the bid, stressing that it forms part of a broader strategy to diversify Türkiye’s international relations.
"Türkiye can become more powerful, prosperous, and prestigious by improving its relations with both the East and the West,” Erdoğan said during a speech in Istanbul over the weekend. “Any other approach will harm Türkiye’s interests.”
BRICS is actively seeking to expand its global footprint, with plans to launch a currency and banking system that could rival the dominance of the U.S. dollar.
The BRICS summit scheduled for October 22-24 in Kazan, Russia, is expected to discuss further enlargement of the group. In addition to Türkiye, other countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Azerbaijan have also expressed interest in joining.
For BRICS members, Türkiye’s inclusion could provide access to significant new trade routes and deepen political ties in the region.
For the West, however, Türkiye’s possible entry into BRICS is highly significant. By becoming a part of BRICS, Türkiye can serve as abridge between Washington dominated financial institutions (like IMF and World Bank) and BRICS. New members would gain access to financing through BRICS’ New Development Bank, as well as the potential for increased trade and political cooperation. Türkiye’s inclusion in BRICS will also strengthen China-led BRICS’s role at world’s financial horizon.
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