Houthi Attacks In The Red Sea, Turkey’s Desire To Join BRICS, and South Korea’s Strategic Shift
Turkey Knocks on BRICS’ Door
Kremlin has welcomed Turkey’s reported desire to join the BRICS group of nations. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, mentioned that Turkey’s interest in joining BRICS will be discussed at the organization’s next summit. While there is heightened interest from various states to join BRICS, Peskov noted that it may not be possible to accommodate all interested nations completely. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently visited Beijing and held talks with Chinese officials, including his counterpart Wang Yi. Although Turkey has not formally expressed its desire to join BRICS, Fidan stated during a talk that they would like to join. It remains to be seen whether Turkey will take steps to join the group. This development comes amidst Turkey’s shifting dynamics with its Western allies and its commitment to NATO membership and EU aspirations.
Highlights:
- Kremlin welcomes Turkey’s desire to join BRICS, with discussions expected at the organization’s next summit.
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expresses interest in joining BRICS during his visit to China.
- Turkey’s formal steps to join BRICS and its compatibility with the group’s composition remain uncertain.
- This development occurs amid Turkey’s relations with Western allies and its commitment to NATO and EU membership aspirations.
South Korea’s Strategic Shift Towards Africa
During the first-ever summit with leaders from 48 African countries, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced plans to enhance cooperation with African nations to secure a stable supply of critical minerals and bolster economic partnerships and trade. South Korea aims to increase development aid for Africa to $10 billion over the next six years, with a focus on tapping Africa’s rich mineral resources and potential as an extensive export market. Yoon emphasized the significance of mutual growth, stressing the need for a framework to promote trade and exchange. Additionally, South Korea pledged $14 billion in export financing to stimulate trade and investment for South Korean companies in African countries.
Highlights:
- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol calls for greater cooperation with African nations to secure a stable supply of critical minerals and boost economic partnerships and trade.
- Plans to increase development aid for Africa to $10 billion over the next six years to tap into the continent’s mineral resources and export potential.
- Pledged $14 billion in export financing to promote trade and investment for South Korean companies in African countries.
- Emphasized the significance of mutual growth and the need for a framework to promote trade and exchange.
International Naval Cooperation Results in Reduction of Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea
According to Greece’s Shipping Minister, Christos Stylianides, closer international cooperation between naval missions in the Red Sea has led to a decrease in Houthi attacks over the past week. The naval operation, Aspides, was established this year to safeguard vessels against attacks by Iranian-aligned Houthi militants, who have repeatedly launched drone and missile strikes in the region since November 2020. Stylianides emphasized the significance of the reduction in attacks, stating that it shows that international communities can stop Houthi aggression.
Highlights:
- Closer international cooperation between naval missions in the Red Sea has resulted in a decrease in Houthi attacks, according to Greece’s Shipping Minister.
- The naval operation, Aspides, was established this year to protect vessels against attacks by Iranian-aligned Houthi militants who have been attacking the shipping lanes in the region since November 2020.
- The reduction in Houthi attacks shows that international communities can stop Houthi aggression, said Stylianides.
- The Houthis have attacked at least two Greek-operated ships in recent weeks, causing concerns for Greece, a country that leads the shipping sector in terms of tonnage, and made Greece take a leading role in the EU initiative.
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