STORY: BRICS plays increasingly important role in int'l arena, says Turkish scholar
DATELINE: Aug. 19, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:55
LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye
CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of BRICS countires
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): BARIS DOSTER, Scholar with the Istanbul-based Marmara University
3. various of BRICS countries
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): BARIS DOSTER, Scholar with the Istanbul-based Marmara University
5. various of BRICS countries
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Turkish): BARIS DOSTER, Scholar with the Istanbul-based Marmara University
7. various of Johannesburg

STORYLINE:

BRICS countries are playing an increasingly important role in the international arena, with many countries intending to join the bloc, Baris Doster, a scholar with the Istanbul-based Marmara University, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Turkish): BARIS DOSTER, Scholar with the Istanbul-based Marmara University
"We see the world's emerging economies, countries that are opposed to U.S. hegemony, coalescing around BRICS, and the organization is gradually becoming a center of attraction."

The BRICS countries represent more than 40 percent of the world's population and over 20 percent of global total economic output.

Boster said as the group's influence continues to increase, one major focus is its membership expansion.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Turkish): BARIS DOSTER, Scholar with the Istanbul-based Marmara University
"More than 40 states are queuing up to become BRICS members, trying to establish contacts, become candidates or aspirants. Enlargement means to become stronger and the multiplication and diversification of member countries."

The expert lauded China's role in fostering the BRICS mechanism as a paradigm of equitable international diplomacy, respecting the interests of all nations involved.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Turkish): BARIS DOSTER, Scholar with the Istanbul-based Marmara University
"China has a growing, developing, and diversifying domestic market and a growing middle class. In this context, China has a significant, special, and unique position in the world economy, and it has an important and unique position within the BRICS bloc."
"In other words, in that context, the fact that China is in this alliance makes the gathering even more powerful, effective, and attractive."

The 15th BRICS Summit is set to be held in South Africa's Johannesburg on August 22-24.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Istanbul, Türkiye.
(XHTV)