Turkey has not received a BRICS invitation, according to Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who cites the European Union’s alleged “Islamophobic” stance as a barrier to Turkey’s EU membership aspirations. While BRICS has paused new admissions, Fidan praises its inclusive nature compared to the EU’s framework. Turkey remains a candidate for EU membership despite ongoing challenges and stalled negotiations.
On Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that Turkey has yet to receive an invitation to join the BRICS bloc, attributing this situation to what he termed the European Union’s “Islamophobic” stance, which has impeded Turkey’s longstanding membership application, as reported by the state-run Anadolu news agency.
During a joint press conference in Ankara with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Minister Fidan discussed Turkey’s shifting foreign policy and global alliances. He indicated that the BRICS group, which includes nations like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has currently suspended the admission of new members as part of its institutional consolidation process. “We have clearly shown our interest… however, we haven’t received a membership offer, so for now, we will continue observing developments,” he stated.
As of last month, BRICS has grown to represent approximately 54.6 percent of the world’s population and nearly 42.2 percent of the global GDP. Nine additional countries, including Belarus, Bolivia, and Nigeria, are on their way to full membership, reflecting the bloc’s ongoing expansion.
Minister Fidan highlighted BRICS’ inclusivity compared to the EU’s exclusivity, praising its diverse composition that embraces various cultures and religions. He remarked, “Unlike the European Union, BRICS has a remarkably inclusive composition. It brings together countries of every color, religion, culture, and civilization — creating a platform that embraces diversity.”
Fidan also suggested that Turkey’s aspirations for EU membership have been hindered by reluctance to accept a Muslim-majority nation, stating, “No one says this outright, but that’s the reality.” Turkey’s EU membership journey began in 1963 with the Ankara Agreement, progressing through several phases but ultimately stalling due to concerns over human rights and governance.
Despite these challenges, Turkey remains an official candidate for EU membership, instilled with hopes for future negotiations. However, Fidan partly attributes the stalled discourse to prevailing identity politics within the EU.
In conclusion, Turkey’s aspirations for BRICS membership remain uncertain as the bloc has paused new admissions. Turkey’s Foreign Minister blames the EU’s perceived Islamophobia for hindering its long-standing membership bid, while he contrasts BRICS’ inclusivity against the exclusivity of the EU. While Turkey’s EU accession remains formally on the table, various political and social obstacles continue to impede progress.
Original Source: www.turkishminute.com
