Turkey's BRICS Ambition: A New Chapter in Global Diplomacy

Turkey has been offered partner country status by the BRICS group amid its attempts to balance ties between the East and West. This offer follows Turkish President Erdogan's attendance at a recent BRICS summit. Turkey sees this as an opportunity to enhance economic cooperation without affecting its NATO commitments.

Turkey has been extended an invitation to join the BRICS group of nations as a 'partner country', according to Trade Minister Omer Bolat. The news comes as Ankara seeks to balance its relationships with both the Eastern and Western blocs.

The BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, could offer economic opportunities, Turkish officials say, without disrupting Turkey's commitments to NATO.

The invitation was formalized during a summit in Kazan attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Although the partner status falls short of full membership, officials indicate a willingness to explore the economic benefits of this new arrangement.

(With inputs from agencies.)