Nechirvan Barzani Meets al-Sharaa in Damascus to Boost Ties and Protect All Communities
At a Glance
- Kurdistan Region President held a high-level summit in Damascus.
- The talks focused on economic trade, communities rights and regional stability.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Monday to boost economic cooperation, strengthen regional stability, and advocate for protecting the rights of all communities in the new Syria.
Key Statements and Focus Areas
- Both leaders emphasized “the importance of expanding mutual cooperation across various fields, particularly in the economic sector.”
- Al-Sharaa praised the Kurdistan Region for sheltering Syrian refugees.
According to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency, both parties discussed relations between Syria, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region.
The two leaders exchanged views on broader regional developments. They called for “strengthening security and stability, expanding regional cooperation, and resolving issues through peaceful means.”
Al-Sharaa expressed gratitude to the Kurdistan Region for welcoming and sheltering Syrian refugees during the war, stating that “Syria highly values the role of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.”
“Another key focus of the meeting was the emphasis on protecting the rights of all components in the new Syria,” the Presidency noted.
Barzani also commended the Syrian President's role in advancing various domestic sectors and strengthening Syria's active presence at both regional and international levels.
The meeting concluded with discussions on several other issues of mutual interest and concern.
Presidential spokesperson Dilshad Shahab announced earlier that Syria has begun formal steps to open a consulate in Erbil. This diplomatic breakthrough stems from previous discussions between the two leaders at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Shahab further confirmed that Barzani extended an official invitation to al-Sharaa to visit both the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi federal government in Baghdad.
FYI
Nechirvan Barzani’s visit to Damascus today carries deep strategic weight, marking his first official trip to Syria.
Following intense clashes in January 2026, Barzani and other Kurdish leaders engaged with regional and international parties to help facilitate a permanent truce between Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government.
Driven by concerns over border instability and a potential ISIS resurgence, the Kurdistan Region actively mediated alongside global allies to secure the January 30 ceasefire agreement.
Barzani later hosted crucial follow-up coordination meetings in Erbil with SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi and U.S. officials, laying the groundwork for his August 2026 diplomatic mission to Damascus.
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