“They discussed the latest developments in Syria and relations between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Kurdish political parties in Syria with the Syrian government, and exchanged views on the dangers of terrorism and countering the threat of the Islamic State,” said a Thursday statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.
“Both sides emphasized the importance of Kurdish participation and all Syrian components in the country’s governance and administration,” the statement added.
Their meeting came after they separately met French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Erbil, who hailed Kurdish unity in Syria and praised the SDF in the ongoing fight against ISIS.
It also took place days before a highly-anticipated intra-Kurdish conference in northeast Syria (Rojava), where representatives from the ruling Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the opposition Kurdish National Council (ENKS/KNC), as well as other Kurdish groups, will convene to discuss their role in the new Syria and unity efforts.
Barzani and Abdi also discussed “the necessity of unity and harmony among Syrian Kurdish forces and parties as a guarantee to achieving the legitimate demands and rights of Kurds,” according to the presidency statement.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received SDF chief Mazlum Abdi in Erbil late Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/Fzkv3NFnfh
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Rojava’s political landscape shifted significantly following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December, prompting rival Kurdish coalitions in Rojava to accelerate unity talks. In January, Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani hosted a landmark meeting in Erbil with Abdi to advance the dialogue.
The PYD has since engaged in negotiations with the ENKS. Talks have been facilitated by members of the US-led global coalition against ISIS, particularly the United States and France.
In March, Abdi and Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a landmark agreement to integrate the SDF into the Syrian state institutions. The agreement recognizes the Kurds as an integral part of Syria, includes a countrywide ceasefire, and stipulates the return of displaced Syrians to their hometowns.
