Turkish FM Hakan Fidan announced Turkey has not received a BRICS invitation, blaming the EU’s alleged “Islamophobic” stance for hindering its long-standing membership aspirations. Fidan emphasized BRICS’ inclusivity compared to the EU’s perceived exclusivity. He also referenced the challenges Turkey faces in its EU accession process, which has been complicated by political and cultural biases.
On Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that Turkey has not received an invitation to join the BRICS group, citing the European Union’s alleged “Islamophobic” stance as a factor in the delay of Turkey’s membership bid. This declaration was made during a press briefing in Ankara alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, where they discussed Turkey’s shifting foreign policy and international partnerships.
Fidan emphasized that BRICS, composed of members like Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and the UAE, has halted the admission of new members. He stated, “We have shown our interest in BRICS, but as we understand, they are currently focused on institutional consolidation and have not extended any membership offers to us. We will continue to monitor the situation.”
Presently, BRICS encompasses about 54.6 percent of the global population and accounts for approximately 42.2 percent of global GDP. The bloc has plans to expand further, with nine additional countries, including Belarus and Nigeria, in the pipeline for full membership.
While BRICS is perceived by the West as a potential counterbalance to NATO, of which Turkey is a member, Fidan commended the bloc for its diverse and inclusive nature. He contrasted this with the European Union by stating, “Unlike the European Union, BRICS has a remarkably inclusive composition, embracing countries of various backgrounds, religions, and cultures, fostering a platform that highlights diversity.”
Furthermore, Fidan articulated that Turkey’s protracted EU accession process has faced obstacles due to prevailing biases against a predominantly Muslim nation. He noted, “No one says this outright, but that is the reality of the situation.”
Turkey’s journey toward EU membership began in 1963 with the Ankara Agreement, which established a partnership with the European Economic Community. Progress was made in 1995 with a customs union, but full membership has remained elusive due to human rights concerns, governance issues, and the Cyprus conflict, among other factors.
Negotiations have particularly stalled following the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, leading to a political crackdown that has raised concerns in Europe. Fidan attributes part of this stagnation to identity politics within the EU, yet he reaffirmed that Turkey still maintains its official candidate status for EU membership.
In summary, Turkey’s recent absence from the BRICS membership invites attention to its foreign policy dynamics and the challenges it faces in its EU accession journey. By highlighting the perceived biases in Europe, Turkish officials underscore their commitment to exploring alternative alliances. The ongoing situation suggests a complex interplay of geopolitics, cultural identity, and regional cooperation that will continue to shape Turkey’s international stance.
Original Source: www.turkishminute.com
