Turkey wants to join the BRICS bloc of developing economies, official confirms
A senior official has confirmed a report that Turkey wants to join the BRICS bloc of developing economies but fell short of confirming that the NATO country had formally applied for membership
ANKARA, Turkey — A senior official on Tuesday confirmed a report that Turkey wants to join the BRICS bloc of developing economies but stopped short of declaring that the NATO country had formally applied for membership.
The Bloomberg news agency reported Monday that Turkey had officially applied to join BRICS several months ago. Asked about the report, Omer Celik, spokesman for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party, said Erdogan has stated “several times” that Turkey aspires to become a member.
“Our request on this issue is clear. This process is ongoing. But there is no concrete development regarding this,” Celik told reporters. «Our president has clearly stated that Turkey wants to take part in all important platforms, including BRICS.”
The BRICS alliance was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2010, but has recently undergone a major expansion, and now includes Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has said it's considering joining and Azerbaijan has formally applied.
BRICS has a stated aim to amplify the voice of the Global South. Its founding members have called for a fairer world order and the reform of international institutions like the United Nations, the IMF and the World Bank.
Erdogan, who has been in power for more than two decades, has sought to carve a more independent foreign policy for Turkey and to enhance its global influence. The country is also frustrated by the lack of progress in its membership talks with the European
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