First statement from IYI Party leader Dervişoğlu after AKP visit! What was discussed in the meeting?

The AKP Group delegation visited the IYI Party at the Parliament.

The AKP delegation included Group Deputy Chairmen Abdullah Güler, Özlem Zengin, and Bahadır Yenişehirlioğlu.

IYI Party Chairman Müsavat Dervişoğlu welcomed the AKP delegation at the door.

The AKP delegation presented Dervişoğlu with flowers and a tile painting.

In the visit paid by the AKP to the IYI Party, it is expected that the new constitution work on the agenda as well as the bill on stray animals will be discussed.

FIRST STATEMENT AFTER THE MEETING

AKP Group Chairman Güler stated in his post-meeting remarks that they paid a congratulatory visit to Dervişoğlu. Güler recalled that they had a long working period with Dervişoğlu in the past. Stating that they have witnessed the importance Dervişoğlu places on General Assembly and committee work, as well as his meticulous efforts, Güler said, "In past terms, he provided significant support on issues that would contribute to us. Hopefully, we will continue this close cooperation and dialogue in both our committee work and General Assembly proceedings from now on. We always wish to benefit from his knowledge and experience on these matters."

DERVİŞOĞLU: "WE DISCUSSED PARLIAMENTARY WORK"

IYI Party Chairman Dervişoğlu also expressed his satisfaction with the AKP delegation's visit. Recalling that he served as a parliamentary group deputy chairman for two terms, Dervişoğlu said that during this process, he endeavored to contribute to the proper conduct of parliamentary work with both the ruling party and opposition parties.

Stating that Turkey has important issues, Dervişoğlu underlined that the place to resolve these issues is the TBMM. Noting that the work in the TBMM should be carried out in accordance with parliamentary traditions, Dervişoğlu said:

"Our colleagues serving in Parliament primarily play an important role in building this tradition. Looking at it from this perspective, since we also have a history of working together, I thank them very much for their contribution. This visit is a customary visit; we discussed parliamentary work. They expressed their good wishes and hopes regarding my election as chairman. I am sharing with you how pleased I am with this visit."

"WE DID NOT DISCUSS THE MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT"

Wishing success to all parties in their parliamentary work, Dervişoğlu said he believes it is very important for party leaders to be present in Parliament.

Recalling that when he was a group deputy chairman, he used to argue with other group deputy chairmen during important days and significant legislative debates about 'why the leaders are not in Parliament,' Dervişoğlu said, "Taking into account the criticisms from that period, I will strive to be in Parliament as much as possible. This working relationship will continue."

When asked by a journalist, "Was there a situation regarding setting an appointment for a meeting with the President?" Dervişoğlu replied, "We did not talk about that at all. Our President said yesterday, 'There is no reason for us not to meet,' but we did not discuss that today."

Upon being asked for his opinion regarding the regulation on stray animals, Dervişoğlu said he expressed his views at the group meeting yesterday. Dervişoğlu continued:

"We talked about that today as well. It is an extremely sensitive issue. Our political parties need to work together for a solution. Because it is a societal, social issue. It is an issue where it is not clear who is looking at it from which angle. Therefore, a solution must be found by putting collective wisdom into action. For that, we will express our views and thoughts mutually in the parliament, both in the committee and in the General Assembly."

Regarding a question on whether the new constitution issue came up, Dervişoğlu said they did not discuss this topic. Dervişoğlu said, "The Parliament is in control of its agenda; we did not go beyond that."