Turkey and Sri Lanka are making moves to strengthen ties with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), an organization that has gained traction as an alternative to Western-dominated economic alliances. This shift signals the growing appeal of BRICS among emerging economies, especially as the organization expands its influence globally.
Turkey Considers Partnership Status with BRICS
Turkey has recently received an invitation from BRICS to become a partner country, as confirmed by Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat. The Turkish media outlet Haber quoted Bolat emphasizing the potential economic benefits of a partnership with BRICS, highlighting that the organization includes countries that collectively account for 25% of the global GDP. Bolat remarked on the strategic significance of this partnership, stating that “joining BRICS will bring Turkey significant benefits in terms of cooperation with all important global platforms.”
Bolat’s remarks reflect a growing interest within Turkey to deepen its economic and geopolitical ties with non-Western alliances, particularly as BRICS’ popularity rises. For Turkey, which straddles both Eastern and Western spheres of influence, BRICS offers an opportunity to further diversify its partnerships. This partnership could facilitate broader access to BRICS markets and align Turkey with an organization that increasingly serves as a counterbalance to Western-led institutions.
Sri Lanka to Submit Membership Application
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, is taking steps to join BRICS formally. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced that Sri Lanka intends to submit an application for full membership in both BRICS and the New Development Bank, BRICS’ financial institution. The country’s foreign minister, Wijitha Herath, stated, “I have already sent letters to my colleagues in BRICS member states seeking support.” Herath’s announcement signals a proactive approach by Sri Lanka to strengthen its economic and financial ties with BRICS nations, who are seen as valuable partners in the face of economic challenges.
Sri Lanka is expected to submit its official membership application during the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, scheduled for October 23-24. This summit is likely to be a pivotal moment as BRICS evaluates its future direction and assesses the interest of new nations seeking to join.
Growing Influence of BRICS
The recent BRICS expansion, which included Egypt, Iran, the UAE, and Ethiopia, has brought the group’s membership to nine countries. The expansion is part of BRICS’ broader strategy to increase its global reach, attracting emerging economies and offering an alternative to Western alliances. With Turkey and Sri Lanka considering or actively pursuing ties with BRICS, the organization’s appeal among nations seeking diversified economic partnerships and reduced dependency on Western economies is evident.
BRICS’ growing influence is rooted in its focus on cooperation among emerging markets, shared investments, and development initiatives. The New Development Bank, for instance, is viewed as a potential alternative to the World Bank and the IMF, providing emerging economies with funding that comes without the stringent conditions often associated with Western institutions.
Implications of Turkey and Sri Lanka’s BRICS Engagement
For Turkey, becoming a BRICS partner could pave the way for increased cooperation with BRICS member states, while enhancing its economic integration with non-Western economies. Turkey’s geographical position and economic ambitions make it a valuable potential ally for BRICS as the organization expands its influence. For Sri Lanka, joining BRICS could offer much-needed economic relief and provide a boost to its international standing amid economic challenges.
Both countries’ engagement with BRICS signals a shifting global order, where emerging economies seek alternative alliances to reduce their reliance on traditional Western economic structures. As BRICS expands, its ability to offer a viable platform for international cooperation and economic development could reshape the dynamics of global alliances in the coming years.
