The US has responded to fellow NATO member Turkey, which recently applied to join the BRICS alliance. Turkey formally applied to join the bloc at the beginning of this year. The country aims to increase its global influence and establish new connections beyond its traditional NATO Western allies.
The United States was silent in the short time following Turkey’s application was submitted. However, a spokesperson for the White House’s National Security Council recently spoke to the Turkish edition of Voice of America on the application. In a written statement, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that while he won’t give a personal comment on Turkey’s decision, “Türkiye continues to be an important ally to the United States that we work – with whom we work on a number of issues.”
However, the National Security Council spokesperson followed these comments by Miller saying that the US believes, “that countries could choose countries and groups they maintain relations with on their own.”
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Turkey To Join BRICS This Fall?
BRICS, currently comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents some of the world’s largest emerging economies. Earlier this year, the group expanded to include Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Saudi Arabia has been invited to join, though it has not yet done so. With Turkey’s recent application to join the bloc, Russia has already revealed that Turkey’s induction will be discussed at this Fall’s BRICS Summit.
Moreover, Turkey could now be in the lead regarding countries seeking to be included in the expansion. However, it is still expected that several other nations will be included in the upcoming expansion plan. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also visited Beijing for the first time since 2012 recently. When asked about joining BRICS, Fidan said, “We would like to, of course, why would we not?”
If Turkey does join BRICS, its relationship with the US will certainly be tested. The bloc has actively posed opposition to the United States, particularly by ditching the US Dollar. Turkey’s absence from the European Union has made them look for an alternative union to join. With its recent trade talks and inter-country relations improving with Russia, Turkey may be ready to turn down the US and the EU for the rival BRICS bloc. The US may be keeping its reservations about the decision to themselves for now. However, Turkey joining the alliance will certainly be a game changer.