Turkey seeks to expand its global alliances and develop its relations with emerging powers by joining BRICS, an economic grouping that includes some of the world’s largest emerging economies.
This step comes – according to Bloomberg – at a time when Turkish-Western relations are witnessing some tension, especially with the slow progress in Ankara’s accession talks to the European Union.
New ambitions
Turkey submitted a formal application to join BRICS several months ago, reflecting the geopolitical changes taking place in the world.
Bloomberg says that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government see the center of geopolitical gravity gradually shifting away from advanced economies toward emerging economies such as those in BRICS.
Turkey, which has tensions with some NATO members over its close ties with Russia, sees BRICS as an opportunity to boost its global influence, the agency said.
The BRICS group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and has recently been joined by new countries such as Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Egypt.
Further expansions are expected to be discussed at the next summit in Kazan, Russia, in October.
Analysts point out that BRICS expansion could give member states access to new financing through the group’s development bank, in addition to strengthening their trade and political ties.
Between East and West
Despite Turkey’s efforts to join BRICS, it is still seeking to strengthen its relations with the European Union, as confirmed by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Fidan noted that joining the European Union remains a “strategic goal” for Turkey, but he also stressed the importance of developing relations with other blocs such as BRICS on the basis of “mutual gains.”
Joining BRICS could give Turkey an opportunity to improve its economic cooperation with Russia and China, and enhance its role as a trade corridor between the European Union and Asia.
The Turkish government is also seeking, according to the agency, to attract investments from Chinese electric car companies, which may benefit from Turkey’s customs union with the European Union to increase their access to European markets.
Turkey is counting on BRICS to expand its economic and political options, as it believes that joining this bloc could enhance its competitiveness on the global stage. At the same time, however, maintaining strong relations with the European Union and NATO remains an essential part of its strategy.
