By Burc Eruygur and Esra Tekin
ISTANBUL (AA) – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday welcomed Türkiye’s interest in the work of the BRICS bloc of emerging economies.
“We welcome Türkiye’s interest in the work of BRICS. Of course, we will strongly support this desire to be together with the countries of this association, to be together, closer, to solve common problems,” Putin said during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Moscow.
Putin also praised Ankara’s desire to help resolve the Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February 2022.
“We note with gratitude the spirit of our Turkish friends to contribute to the resolution of crisis situations, including the crisis around Ukraine,” Putin added.
Türkiye has drawn praise for its unique ability to talk to both sides of the conflict, as well as its initiatives on issues such as the Black Sea grain corridor and prisoner exchanges.
The BRICS bloc was originally made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates having joined this January.