Ankara: The Turkish parliament took an "important step" this week as part of the Terror-Free Trkiye process, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said, referring to the passage of the Bill on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Cohesion. Erdogan's remarks on Thursday followed a meeting at the presidential complex with families of Turkish soldiers killed in past PKK terrorist attacks and veterans.

According to TRTworld.com, Erdogan emphasized that the parliament's recent action is a significant stride in the ongoing efforts to eradicate terrorism from Trkiye. By acting with patience, sound judgement, and composure, Erdogan believes the country will free itself from terrorism permanently. He further mentioned that the state had mobilized all available resources to support the families of martyrs and veterans.

The president reiterated these sentiments at the graduation ceremony of the Gendarmerie and Coast Guard Academy in Ankara. He described the bill's passage by 467 votes as a historic step towards resolving an issue that has claimed tens of thousands of lives over the past 40 years.

The Bill on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Cohesion, adopted on Monday, outlines procedures for suspending investigations, prosecutions, convictions, and related proceedings. These procedures would be activated once authorities determine that the PKK/KCK terrorist organizations and affiliated groups have ceased their activities and surrendered their weapons.

Additionally, Trkiye is enhancing its military deterrence by engaging in multifaceted diplomatic efforts and forming strategic partnerships, Erdogan added. On Friday, a significant development occurred when Trkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan signed the Joint Defence Agreement at a trilateral summit in Mecca, committing to bolster collective security, deepen defense cooperation, and promote peace and stability in the region and beyond.