Erdogan attends BRICS meeting in Kazan amid discussions on international payment system

The BRICS meeting is currently taking place in Kazan, southern Russia, with Iran and China also in attendance. The agenda includes discussions on an international payment system aimed at bypassing the US dollar and existing sanctions. This group is often referred to as a counterbalance to the G7 and the dominance of the West, particularly the United States.

On Wednesday, Turkey’s President Erdogan attended the meeting to meet with Russian President Putin. Turkey is not yet a member of BRICS but seeks to join. This initiative is viewed as a significant move for both Russia and China, indicating Turkey’s desire to engage with multiple global powers. Meanwhile, Western criticism has emerged regarding Erdogan’s visit to shake hands with Putin, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where NATO is firmly aligned with Ukraine.

In Turkey, there is considerable focus on the meeting and the dynamics between the two presidents, who have exhibited relationships that range from friendly to tense over the years. Observers are keenly analyzing their body language and interactions during this pivotal encounter, underscoring the importance of the geopolitical implications of this meeting in the context of Turkey’s positioning on the world stage.