President Erdoğan–DEM Party Meeting (April 10, 2025)

Within the context of the ongoing "Terror-Free Türkiye" process, a meeting took place on 10 April 2025 between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and members of the DEM Party. The meeting was held at the Presidential Complex and conducted behind closed doors.

Background and Participants of the Meeting

The meeting began at 13:30 on 10 April 2025 at the Presidential Complex. Alongside President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, participants included DEM Party MP Pervin Buldan from Van and DEM Party MP Sırrı Süreyya Önder from Istanbul. Also present were AK Party Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala and Head of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Ibrahim Kalın. The meeting lasted 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Statements by the DEM Party Delegation

Prior to the meeting, DEM Party members made statements to journalists in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, stating that they would present information regarding the process and share mutual views and proposals. Sırrı Süreyya Önder said they would convey the current stage of developments and communicate their recommendations concerning democratic politics and peace initiatives. When asked whether the meeting was a historic one, he declined to make such an assessment, stating that such characterizations should be left to public judgment.

Pervin Buldan noted that this was the first time the President had engaged in direct dialogue on this issue. She added that the delegation would listen to the President’s views on necessary steps and provide information on previous contacts they had conducted.

Assessment by the AK Party Faction

On the same day, AK Party Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala, in remarks on a television program, stated that the meeting confirmed President Erdoğan’s commitment to resolving the process. He noted that the DEM Party delegation would share their assessments with the President following prior contacts on Imralı Island and discussions with political parties.

Ala emphasized that the process was continuing without interruption and that concrete steps toward results were being planned. He indicated that the next step in the process was expected to be the PKK convening a congress to dissolve itself, and that a timeline in this direction could emerge in the near future. He also clarified that the call from Imralı was directed not only at the PKK but at all elements of the organization and its affiliated structures in the region.

Ala underscored that counter-terrorism policies were being pursued within the existing framework. He stated that public information would be provided according to a specific schedule and that not every step needed to be disclosed to the public. He affirmed that the central agenda of the meeting was the call for the dissolution of the terrorist organization, while other matters could be addressed within the political sphere.

Post-Meeting Statements

DEM Party’s Written Post-Meeting Statement (10 April 2025)

Following the meeting held on 10 April 2025 at the Presidential Complex between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the DEM Party delegation, the DEM Party issued a written statement to the public.

The written statement from the DEM Party stated:

Our meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his delegation took place in a highly positive, constructive, productive and hopeful atmosphere for the future.

The significance of the point reached in the process was confirmed and the next stages were mutually assessed. It was emphasized that a period free from violence and conflict, in which the democratic and political sphere is strengthened, is vital for our country, our citizens and our region.

Our delegation and our party will continue their efforts with even greater determination and care to implement the Call for Peace and Democratic Society. We take pride in informing the entire nation that, as of today’s point of progress, we are more hopeful than ever before.

We express our gratitude to all political parties and social segments that have strengthened the process through their proposals, warnings and criticisms to date.