Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he expects Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to attend the BRICS summit in Russia next month, after Turkey expressed interest in joining the group of emerging economies. The meeting between Putin and Erdogan is scheduled for October 23 in the city of Kazan. Turkey’s ruling AKP party has confirmed that the process of becoming a BRICS member is currently underway, with Erdogan previously stating his desire for Turkey to join the group. If accepted, Turkey would be the first NATO member to be part of BRICS, which aims to serve as a counterbalance to the Western-dominated global order. Putin mentioned the upcoming BRICS summit during a meeting with the speaker of the Turkish parliament, Numan Kurtulmus.
The BRICS group originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with the forum being established in 2009. South Africa joined the group a year later, expanding it to BRICS. In recent years, other countries such as Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates have also joined BRICS. Turkey had previously participated in a BRICS summit held in South Africa in 2018, indicating a growing interest in closer ties with the group of emerging economies. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to be present at the upcoming BRICS summit in October, according to Putin’s statements.
The decision to potentially include Turkey in BRICS reflects a shift in global economic and geopolitical dynamics, with emerging economies playing an increasingly significant role on the world stage. By seeking to join BRICS, Turkey aims to strengthen its position in the international arena and expand its partnerships with influential economies outside the traditional Western alliances. The involvement of a NATO member in BRICS could potentially lead to new collaborations and alliances that may impact the balance of power in global politics. The upcoming meeting between Putin and Erdogan is seen as a crucial step in solidifying Turkey’s potential membership in the group.
The BRICS summit in Kazan will provide an opportunity for leaders of the member countries to discuss a wide range of economic, political, and social issues of mutual interest. The summit serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among emerging economies, allowing them to address common challenges and explore opportunities for collaboration in various fields. The participation of Turkey, if approved, would further diversify the composition of BRICS and potentially bring new perspectives and ideas to the group. The presence of leaders such as Putin, Erdogan, and Xi Jinping will highlight the importance of the summit as a forum for promoting multilateralism and fostering international cooperation.
As the global economy continues to evolve, the BRICS group remains an important player in shaping the future of international relations and economic development. The inclusion of new members such as Turkey demonstrates the growing influence and relevance of emerging economies in the global landscape. By expanding its membership, BRICS aims to enhance its credibility and expand its reach as a key player in international affairs. The upcoming summit in Kazan will be closely watched for any developments regarding Turkey’s potential membership in the group and its implications for the future direction of BRICS and the wider global community. The meeting between Putin and Erdogan is expected to be a significant milestone in this process and could pave the way for closer collaboration between Turkey and the existing BRICS members.
