Türkiye’s Presidential Cabinet convened Tuesday under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Ahlat Presidential Complex in Bitlis, bringing the government’s top decision-making body together in eastern Türkiye on the sidelines of the 955th anniversary commemorations of the Victory of Manzikert.

The meeting comes as the government places particular emphasis on the “Terror-Free Türkiye” process, economic developments and regional security, following Erdoğan’s address earlier in the day in Ahlat.

Speaking at the Manzikert anniversary event, Erdoğan said the completion of the terror-free process would open the way to a “new era” for Türkiye. He argued that strengthening national unity would also contribute to economic growth and greater resilience at home.

“When the terror-free Türkiye process, which we signaled from Ahlat two years ago, reaches its goal, inshallah, a new era will begin for our nation,” Erdoğan said.

Erdoğan said the government was working to bring Türkiye’s 86 million citizens together around a shared sense of national brotherhood.

He also emphasized the importance of solidarity among Turks, Kurds and Arabs, saying the success of the process would benefit not only Türkiye but also neighboring countries, particularly Syria and Iraq, which he said could move toward greater peace and stability.

The president has presented the initiative as a major step toward ending terrorism and strengthening Türkiye’s internal security and social cohesion. The issue is expected to remain among the key subjects on the government's political agenda as the process advances.

Economic developments are also expected to feature prominently in the Cabinet's discussions as the government continues efforts to bring down inflation, strengthen financial stability and sustain economic growth.

The government has repeatedly emphasized maintaining its medium-term economic program while supporting investment, production, employment and exports.

The meeting also comes amid continued attention to Türkiye's regional economic and security environment, including developments in neighboring Syria and Iraq.

The Cabinet meeting is taking place against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions, with developments in Syria, Iraq, Gaza and the wider Middle East continuing to shape Türkiye's foreign and security policy.

Erdoğan said earlier Tuesday that a terror-free Türkiye would contribute to stability throughout the region and argued that stronger cooperation among regional peoples could help create a more secure environment.

The Cabinet's meeting in Ahlat carries particular symbolic importance because it coincides with celebrations marking the 955th anniversary of the Battle of Manzikert, fought on August 26, 1071.

During his speech, Erdoğan described Ahlat as a central symbol of Türkiye's historical and cultural heritage, saying the road to Manzikert opened from Ahlat and that the town represented an important foundation of Anatolia's history.

Earlier Tuesday, Erdoğan also visited the Seljuk Square Cemetery in Ahlat, where he examined historic tombstones and participated in prayers for the deceased and martyrs. He was accompanied by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, BBP Chairman Mustafa Destici, HÜDA PAR Chairman Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu, Cabinet members and military commanders.

The Cabinet meeting in Ahlat therefore combines immediate political and economic priorities with a broader message from the government about national unity, historical continuity and Türkiye's future direction.

Erdoğan is expected to address the outcome of the Cabinet meeting and developments on the government's domestic and foreign policy agenda following the session. (ILKHA)