Turkey has applied to join the BRICS

A spokesman for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party says Turkey has submitted an application to join the BRICS.

Turkish Justice and Development Party (AKP) spokesman Celik told a press conference on Tuesday (September 3) : "President Erdogan has repeatedly stated that he wants to become a member of the BRICS... That process is ongoing."

He also said that Turkey wants to participate in all important platforms, including the BRICS.

Erdogan said in June that he did not see BRICS membership as a substitute for joining other organizations, while Turkey remains an official candidate for membership in the European Union.

If admitted, Turkey will become the first NATO member of the BRICS.

Brics is a cooperation mechanism established by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009, with South Africa joining in April 2011. In January, the BRICS expanded its roster to include Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia, with more than 40 other countries interested in joining.