Turkey has formally applied to join the BRICS group, becoming the first NATO member to do so. This move reflects Ankara's growing frustration with the European Union over stalled membership talks and its desire to forge new ties beyond its traditional Western allies. Turkey's application is seen as part of a broader strategy to balance relations with both the East and the West. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emphasized that Turkey aims to cultivate ties in a multipolar world while remaining committed to its NATO responsibilities. The BRICS bloc, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include Iran, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Egypt, and will discuss further enlargement at an upcoming summit. Turkey's bid highlights its intention to play a more active role on the global stage.