Türkiye’s membership in BRICS may be welcomed news for bloc: Russian media

Türkiye's membership may be welcomed news for BRICS in the near future as Ankara applied for full-fledged membership with the economic bloc this week, according to Russian media.

Sputnik said BRICS may view Türkiye's membership positively, as the country boasts the 17th largest economy in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

It stressed that in 2023, Türkiye's gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated at more than $1 trillion.

Türkiye's economic potential is underscored by its steady real GDP growth, which averaged 5.4% from 2002 - 2022, according to the World Bank. It also made significant strides in reducing poverty, with rates falling from more than 20% in 2007 to 7.6% in 2021.

Strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Türkiye controls the vital Bosporus and Dardanelles straits, linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.

The positioning makes it a key logistical hub for trade between the Global South and Global North, a factor that could be highly beneficial for BRICS' global trade network.

Ankara's influence in the Middle East and its growing engagement in Africa could further enhance BRICS' geopolitical clout, analysts suggest.

Türkiye has long been a key player in regional diplomacy, and ties with emerging markets across Africa could offer new opportunities for cooperation within BRICS.

A BRICS membership could also help Türkiye address domestic economic challenges, including inflation, which remains a pressing concern. Greater access to BRICS markets may provide much-needed economic relief.

'Reliable partner'

When asked about Türkiye's involvement in BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Turkish...