Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has revealed that Türkiye is assessing a partnership offer from BRICS, following the country's expression of interest in joining the economic bloc.

Speaking during a parliamentary session on Thursday, Fidan clarified the nature of Türkiye’s engagement with BRICS, emphasizing that the bloc does not follow a formal application and acceptance mechanism.

“We have expressed our interest in BRICS membership, and we received a partnership offer, which we are currently evaluating,” said Fidan. “Currently, no country has been officially invited for membership.”

Fidan also highlighted Türkiye’s active participation in the bloc’s activities, referencing his attendance at the BRICS+ session during the summit in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, earlier this year.

In the same session, Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to its long-standing goal of joining the European Union. Key negotiations on visa liberalization and customs union modernization are ongoing, he said.

The foreign minister noted that EU visa applications from Türkiye have increased by 36%, with rejection rates rising slightly to 17.5%. Of the 278,476 applicants, 48,638 were denied entry, a trend he attributed to staffing shortages and anti-immigrant sentiments in Europe.

Fidan also acknowledged the influence of Türkiye's military operations in Syria on the political climate surrounding EU negotiations.

Fidan underscored the impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war on Türkiye’s foreign policy. He described the conflict as a catalyst for geopolitical shifts, presenting both challenges and opportunities for Türkiye to advance its strategic objectives.

“The Russia-Ukraine war has created a new geopolitical environment, and we are bringing these matters back to the table,” Fidan stated, reiterating Türkiye’s resolve to tackle pressing issues on the international stage.

With its interest in BRICS, continued pursuit of EU membership, and involvement in regional geopolitics, Türkiye is signaling a balanced and multidimensional foreign policy approach. These efforts reflect Ankara’s ambition to strengthen its position as a bridge between East and West in an increasingly polarized global landscape. (ILKHA)