Turkey Offered “Partner Country” Status by BRICS, Says Trade Minister

ANKARA – Turkey has been offered a “partner country” status by the BRICS group, Trade Minister Omer Bolat announced, as Ankara seeks to balance its affiliations with both Eastern and Western alliances. The BRICS bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, as well as newer members Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the UAE, extended this offer as Turkey continues to show interest in joining the organization.

Turkey, a longstanding NATO member, has recently voiced aspirations to join BRICS to strengthen economic collaboration with these emerging economies. President Tayyip Erdogan attended a recent BRICS summit in Kazan, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, following Ankara’s formal steps toward membership.

“In terms of Turkey’s status regarding BRICS membership, they offered the status of partner membership,” Minister Bolat stated during an interview. He clarified that the “partner country” status represents a transitional phase within BRICS’s organizational structure.

While Turkey sees BRICS as a promising avenue to enhance trade with member countries, Erdogan has emphasized that it is not intended as an alternative to Turkey’s NATO commitments or its Western alliances. Ankara remains firm that potential involvement in BRICS would not interfere with its responsibilities within the Western military bloc.

The BRICS group introduced the “partner country” category in October during the Kazan summit. However, Turkish officials indicated that Turkey’s ultimate goal remains full BRICS membership, as partner status does not fully meet Ankara’s aspirations. Turkey’s ruling AK Party noted that while the offer was discussed in Kazan, full membership would better satisfy Turkey’s long-term economic and diplomatic goals.