ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday hailed the disarmament of the PKK as a historic milestone, declaring the move a “new chapter” for Türkiye and marking the dawn of a new era of national unity and regional strength.

"Today marks a new day, a new chapter in history. The doors to a great, strong Türkiye — the Century of Türkiye — have been fully opened," Erdogan said during the 32nd Consultation and Evaluation Meeting of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party in Ankara.

“Today marks the dawn of a great and powerful Türkiye,” he emphasized.

The president described the PKK’s decision to lay down arms — announced on Friday — as the end of a 47-year chapter of terrorism and hailed it as a victory not just for the state, but for all citizens. “Turks, Kurds, Arabs — all 86 million of us — are the true winners,” Erdogan said.

Rejecting any notion of negotiation or compromise with the outlawed group, Erdogan stated: “This is not the result of a bargain or a give-and-take. It is the triumph of our national will, the outcome of years of resilience.”

He also invoked historical references, saying, “Today, the spirit of Malazgirt, the Jerusalem alliance, and the soul of the War of Independence are being reshaped.”

Addressing the broader implications of the initiative, Erdogan underlined its importance beyond Türkiye’s borders, noting its significance for Kurdish communities in Iraq and Syria. He said the “terror-free Türkiye” vision is actively being shared and discussed with regional stakeholders.

“The Republic of Türkiye is our shared home, our common roof. All 86 million of us are one, united, and brothers for eternity,” Erdogan said.

The PKK, designated a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, had waged an armed insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984. — Agencies