IMF Supports BRICS Enlargement
The IMF has endorsed the growth of BRICS, emphasizing that efforts focused on “reducing fragmentation” globally should be embraced. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The expansion of the BRICS group could have global benefits, according to Julie Kozack, a spokesperson for the International Monetary Fund. On Friday, while addressing a query regarding Türkiye's aspiration to join the consortium, she stated that such an expansion should be "encouraged."
Türkiye recently officially requested to join the BRICS in early September, an organization initially formed in 2009 by Russia, China, India, and Brazil, with South Africa joining a year later. In 2024, the group welcomed new members including Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia.
On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin shared that over 30 countries have shown interest in joining the BRICS, as discussions about potential memberships continue.
In response to an inquiry about any potential risks posed by the growth of BRICS, Kozack highlighted that the IMF supports enhanced and broadening international ties. She said, “our view is that improved and expanding international cooperation and deepening trade and investment ties among groups of countries should be welcomed and encouraged,” particularly when it helps in "reducing fragmentation and lowering trade and investment costs."
Additionally, Kozack pointed out that it is up to each country to decide whether or not to join such initiatives.
Ankara has maintained that its engagement with international groups like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization aligns with its right to establish relationships with other entities and does not conflict with its NATO commitments.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye does not view BRICS as a substitute for any existing alliance but as a complement to the diverse functions of different international bodies. Erdogan articulated a vision of Türkiye as a "reliable partner" across all the organizations to which it belongs.
Erdogan also mentioned, "As a NATO member, we do not see it as a problem to interact with countries in the SCO, BRICS, the European Union, or the Organization of Turkic States. We believe these relationships contribute to world peace."
A report by Bloomberg earlier in the month indicated that the possibility of Turkish membership might be discussed at the next BRICS summit scheduled in Kazan, Russia, towards the end of October. Erdogan has received an invitation to the summit, and it has been confirmed by Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov that Türkiye’s application for membership is under consideration.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
Türkiye recently officially requested to join the BRICS in early September, an organization initially formed in 2009 by Russia, China, India, and Brazil, with South Africa joining a year later. In 2024, the group welcomed new members including Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia.
On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin shared that over 30 countries have shown interest in joining the BRICS, as discussions about potential memberships continue.
In response to an inquiry about any potential risks posed by the growth of BRICS, Kozack highlighted that the IMF supports enhanced and broadening international ties. She said, “our view is that improved and expanding international cooperation and deepening trade and investment ties among groups of countries should be welcomed and encouraged,” particularly when it helps in "reducing fragmentation and lowering trade and investment costs."
Additionally, Kozack pointed out that it is up to each country to decide whether or not to join such initiatives.
Ankara has maintained that its engagement with international groups like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization aligns with its right to establish relationships with other entities and does not conflict with its NATO commitments.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye does not view BRICS as a substitute for any existing alliance but as a complement to the diverse functions of different international bodies. Erdogan articulated a vision of Türkiye as a "reliable partner" across all the organizations to which it belongs.
Erdogan also mentioned, "As a NATO member, we do not see it as a problem to interact with countries in the SCO, BRICS, the European Union, or the Organization of Turkic States. We believe these relationships contribute to world peace."
A report by Bloomberg earlier in the month indicated that the possibility of Turkish membership might be discussed at the next BRICS summit scheduled in Kazan, Russia, towards the end of October. Erdogan has received an invitation to the summit, and it has been confirmed by Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov that Türkiye’s application for membership is under consideration.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
