Turkey's BRICS Aspirations: Balancing East and West

Turkey has expressed interest in joining the BRICS group of emerging economies, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the UAE. Despite lacking concrete steps, Turkey's ruling party emphasized ongoing processes. The move has stirred Western concerns about Turkey pivoting from its geopolitical orientation.

Turkey has made no tangible progress towards joining the BRICS group of emerging economies, but "a process is underway," a spokesperson for the ruling party stated on Tuesday. The BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.

Russia and China, in particular, are keen to expand the group to counter Western economic dominance. It would be a significant diplomatic move if Turkey, a NATO ally and EU membership candidate, were to join. "Our president has stated at various times that we want to be a member (of BRICS)... Our request on this issue is clear. This process is underway in this framework, but there is no concrete development," Omer Celik of President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party told reporters in Ankara.

"If there is a concrete development - a decision or evaluation by BRICS on membership - we will share that with you," Celik added. Turkey has been reserved in public about its BRICS plans. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan indicated in June that Turkey was interested in joining BRICS. Meanwhile, Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek and Defence Minister have reassured their commitment to Western allies, indicating no shift away from NATO and core Western partnerships.

Ankara's interest in BRICS, coupled with close ties to Russia in sectors like energy and defense, has raised concerns in the U.S. and Europe regarding Turkey's geopolitical orientation.

(With inputs from agencies.)