Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan has considered the decision of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group to disband important for ensuring peace and stability in the region.

“In my opinion, the PKK’s decision is historic and very important, especially in terms of ensuring long-term peace and stability in our region. After the decision was made, practical steps should be taken to implement it. We will follow them closely,” the Turkish FM said at a press conference in Ankara.

The PKK, which is banned and recognized as a terrorist organization in Turkey, held a congress during which it decided to disband and end its almost 50-year armed conflict with the Turkish authorities. The congress statement noted that the PKK is now transitioning to democratic and political methods of struggle.

In late February, PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who is serving a life sentence in Turkey, had called on all PKK-affiliated groups to lay down their arms, end the conflict with Turkey, and disband the Kurdistan Workers Party.