The files we follow: Relations between Türkiye and EU; Türkiye and the BRICS
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At the crossroads of strategic questions in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Turkey continues to navigate a complex geopolitical environment. Between economic alliances and political differences with the European Union, Turkey is now showing a growing interest in the BRICS.
Recent interactions between Turkey and the BRICS group reflect changing geopolitical and economic priorities. Among the key moments, the meeting on 23 October between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit in Kazan marked a significant turning point. The meeting highlighted some major issues. Regarding bilateral relations, discussions focused on cooperation between Turkey and Russia, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine and regional tensions, including the Israeli attacks. As far as energy and trade issues are concerned, the project to create a natural gas energy centre in Turkey, which is in the preparatory phase, was a key point of discussion, reinforcing Turkey’s strategic role in regional energy flows.
Today, a few weeks later, the latest update we have is the announcement by Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov that Turkey is among the 13 countries selected to become BRICS partners. This group also includes Belarus, Indonesia and Malaysia, whose official inclusion could come as early as January 2025, although this has not yet been confirmed. However, despite its inclusion on this strategic list, Turkey has yet to submit its official approval. This delay is raising questions about Turkey’s ambitions within this group and how it intends to navigate between its traditional interests in Europe and its new opportunities in Asia and Africa.
Looking beyond its strategic interests in the BRICS, what are Turkey’s ambitions?
As mentioned above, it is clear on the international scene that Turkey is interested in strengthening its international ties, particularly with the BRICS, as demonstrated by its participation in the latest summit in Kazan. However, this willingness to participate raises questions. Turkey is a member of NATO and a strategic partner for the United States. Why, then, is Turkey seeking to collaborate with emerging powers such as China and Russia?
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