Yes, at least an observer status. I'm sure there is no reason why Turkey cannot join the ASEAN + (n) framework.
Afterall we already have seen the creation of the:
- ASEAN + Japan
- ASEAN + South Korea
- ASEAN + China
- ASEAN + USA
- ASEAN + India
- ASEAN +5
Precisely, think of also the trade benefits and potential. Including Turkey into this ASEAN + (n) framework would open doors to ASEAN member states to trade with Central Asian countries in higher levels than currently seen now. Why? The fact that Turkey is embedded in economic and cultural ties with countries such as Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan etc , means that an an integration of Turkey into the ASEAN platform will mean a gradual exposure of the Central Asian Republics to ASEAN.
Secondarily, these countries are rich in rare earth metals, natural gas, petroleum; including such energy rich land locked countries in direct trade, cultural trade, socio-cultural bilateralism with ASEAN would bring in the perks of increased tourism, trade and investment. We're talking about from the grassroots level to the national polity level.
Third, I am looking at this in the lens of the mature development of ASEAN from merely just a regional organization, to one that will have a global reach, and one that will thus attract more investments and confidence from international partners.
That's the angle I'm coming from.
In other words, some people can only see the rice farm. I , however, see the whole Rice Farming Valley and the fishing port to boot. We have to think of the 'bigger picture'.
To apply it to practical sense; If a man sees a beautiful woman, he sees her body, but a wise man sees the woman not just as the physical satisfaction for his basilar needs, he sees the woman and equates that as wife, mother of his 4 children, and partner for life. We have to think of the 'larger' picture. The dialectics of 'Potential' , if you may.
Regards,