At the BRICS Summit in October Erdogan – Chelik confirmed Turkey’s request for membership

Omer Chelik, a spokesman for the ruling AKP party, confirmed the information that Turkey submitted a request for membership of the group of countries, but attempted to keep low-key, “hide” that it would participate in the summit of these countries. But Chelik revealed what Kremlin representative Yuri Usakov has “hidden”, announcing – according to Turkish media – that Erdogan will participate in the BRICS Summit from 22 to 24 October in Kazan, Tatarstan. Chelik had limited himself to stating today 3.9,2024 that there is still no “specific development”. “In any case, our honourable President has already stated it on several occasions. You know that. In other words, our request on this issue is clear. However, there is no concrete development in this regard. If there is any specific development , i.e. an assessment of BRICS on joining BRICS, or a decision of BRICS etc. we will share it with you in this context. But our president has openly stated that Turkey wants to participate in all these important platforms, including BRICS,” Chelik said. The information on Turkey’s request to join the BRICS, arguing that Erdogan is disappointed about the long-term lack of progress in the process of joining the European Union. Sources spoken to Bloomberg under the condition of anonymity, said Erdogan believes that the geopolitical centre of gravity is shifting away from developed economies, and made sure to note that “in parallel it fulfills its obligations as a NATO member”. However, they noted that there are frictions with other NATO members, as Turkey continues to maintain close ties with Russia, despite its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the same sources added. BRICS is an international political and economic organisation of the largest emerging markets. Its current composition involves ten countries: Russia, India, China, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Saudi Arabia.