In a significant political meeting, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan convened with Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The discussions centered around Türkiye’s strategic “terror-free Türkiye” initiative and the ongoing constitutional reform efforts. This initiative is critical as it seeks to eradicate decades of terrorism within the country.
The “terror-free Türkiye” initiative gained momentum in 2024 after Bahçeli called on Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the PKK, to urge the group to disarm. Öcalan responded positively in February 2025, subsequently setting in motion a disarmament process. Currently, Türkiye is contemplating legal frameworks to support this initiative, including potential leniency for PKK members who have not engaged in violent activities.
The meeting also addressed other pressing regional developments. Discussions likely included the Türkiye-Libya maritime boundary agreement, recently ratified by Libya’s House of Representatives. Additionally, potential legislative items such as the Mecca motion and the Badr Memorandum were considered as part of the agenda.
This meeting marks the fourth interaction between Erdoğan and Bahçeli this year, with previous engagements occurring on January 21, April 30, and August 26. Their continued dialogue underscores the importance of collaboration between the ruling party and the MHP in navigating Türkiye’s domestic and regional challenges.