Claiming that the Kurdish issue is "first and foremost closest to his heart as the prime minister," Erdoğan said the issue does not exclusively belong to a specific region but rather to the whole country.
Erdoğan also stated that "mistakes done in the past" should be recognized on the path to recovery. He also asserted that only "democracy, citizenship law and welfare" can solve the conflict.
In his speech, Erdoğan said the AKP rule aims to combat regional and ethnic discrimination, adding that "facing past mistakes is pivotal in the road to the bright future ahead".
Calling on the parents of the youths engaging in the terrorist organization, Erdoğan pledged that the government is "ready and willing for every kind of solution," claiming responsibility for any conflict in the country.
Erdoğan was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gül, Minister of State Nimet Çubukçu, Minister of Internal Affairs Abdülkadir Aksu and Minister of National Education Hüseyin Çelik during his visit, amongst other members of the cabinet.
Erdoğan did not wear a bullet-proof vest during his public appearance.
