There was talk of Turkey joining: Russia is not keen on BRICS expansion

Attending the UN General Assembly in New York, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov evaluated the current situation regarding expansion among BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) members. Lavrov stated that BRICS member countries do not find it appropriate to make a decision for further expansion at this stage.

EMPHASIS ON THE ADJUSTMENT PROCESS

In his speech, Lavrov pointed to the expansion BRICS experienced at the beginning of this year, saying, "We were five members, now we are 10." He noted that these new additions require a "process of adjustment and familiarization" with the existing member countries. Emphasizing that BRICS consists of members with a common understanding, Lavrov pointed to the importance of this structure.

MEMBERSHIP REQUESTS AND THE KAZAN SUMMIT

While Lavrov stated that more than 20 countries have currently expressed a desire to join BRICS, he noted that these decisions belong to the leaders of the member countries. Furthermore, it was stated that a new "partnership" status, as an alternative to full membership, is expected to be announced at the BRICS summit to be held in the Russian city of Kazan on October 22-24. President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to attend this summit.

Founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, the organization took the name BRICS with the participation of South Africa in 2011. Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia were accepted as full members on January 1, 2024, into the organization, which focuses on developing economic cooperation among its members.