NATO Responds to Türkiye's Interest in Joining BRICS
Mark Rutte has stated that Türkiye’s collaboration with the BRICS economic group is compatible with its NATO membership. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Mark Rutte, the secretary-general of NATO, has asserted that Türkiye is entitled to engage with the BRICS economic group without compromising its NATO membership.
Rutte shared his views during a press conference in Estonia on Tuesday. Responding to a question from the Estonian Public Broadcaster regarding Ankara’s interest in joining BRICS—a group the outlet termed a "Russia-dominated organization"—he emphasized that Türkiye is "a very important ally in the alliance," noting it possesses "one of the best equipped military forces in NATO." He added that the nation plays a "vital role in its part of the NATO geography."
He acknowledged the presence of differing opinions within the alliance, which comprises 32 democratic nations, stating, “Obviously within the alliance, being a democracy, there will always be debates on this and that.” Nevertheless, he maintained that Ankara has “the sovereign right” to pursue BRICS membership and engage with its members.
“That might lead to debates now and then, bilaterally or within NATO. But that doesn’t mean that Türkiye is not [popular],” Rutte remarked. He further noted, “NATO is very popular in Türkiye, and Türkiye is very popular in NATO,” expressing confidence that this positive relationship will endure.
In related news, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is currently attending the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, where he is anticipated to meet with President Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral relations, the Ukraine crisis, and Middle Eastern issues.
Recently, Ankara announced that it had officially applied to become a full-fledged BRICS member, marking a historic moment as the first NATO state to pursue membership in the group.
This move has raised concerns within Brussels. EU spokesman Peter Stano emphasized that despite having the right to join various international organizations, Ankara, which has been a candidate for EU membership since 1999, must adhere to EU values and foreign policy preferences.
Previously, Turkish officials indicated to the Middle East Eye that while BRICS is not viewed as an alternative to NATO or the EU, “the stalled accession process to the European Union” had prompted them to explore “other economic platforms.”
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
Rutte shared his views during a press conference in Estonia on Tuesday. Responding to a question from the Estonian Public Broadcaster regarding Ankara’s interest in joining BRICS—a group the outlet termed a "Russia-dominated organization"—he emphasized that Türkiye is "a very important ally in the alliance," noting it possesses "one of the best equipped military forces in NATO." He added that the nation plays a "vital role in its part of the NATO geography."
He acknowledged the presence of differing opinions within the alliance, which comprises 32 democratic nations, stating, “Obviously within the alliance, being a democracy, there will always be debates on this and that.” Nevertheless, he maintained that Ankara has “the sovereign right” to pursue BRICS membership and engage with its members.
“That might lead to debates now and then, bilaterally or within NATO. But that doesn’t mean that Türkiye is not [popular],” Rutte remarked. He further noted, “NATO is very popular in Türkiye, and Türkiye is very popular in NATO,” expressing confidence that this positive relationship will endure.
In related news, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is currently attending the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, where he is anticipated to meet with President Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral relations, the Ukraine crisis, and Middle Eastern issues.
Recently, Ankara announced that it had officially applied to become a full-fledged BRICS member, marking a historic moment as the first NATO state to pursue membership in the group.
This move has raised concerns within Brussels. EU spokesman Peter Stano emphasized that despite having the right to join various international organizations, Ankara, which has been a candidate for EU membership since 1999, must adhere to EU values and foreign policy preferences.
Previously, Turkish officials indicated to the Middle East Eye that while BRICS is not viewed as an alternative to NATO or the EU, “the stalled accession process to the European Union” had prompted them to explore “other economic platforms.”
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
