Turkey has submitted a request to join the BRICS bloc of nations, according to an announcement by an official from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Omer Celik, spokesperson for the party, said that “Our president has many times stated that we want to become a BRICS member… The process is now underway”. “Our president has clearly stated that Turkey wants to take part in all important platforms, including BRICS,” he added. The announcement comes after Bloomberg reported on Monday that Turkey had made its submission months ago, with Turkish sources telling the publication its part …