Iraqi Kurdish Leader Engages Syrian President in Damascus

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Nechirvan Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq, met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus. This marks the first visit by an Iraqi Kurdish leader to Syria following the departure of former President Bashar al-Assad. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Erbil and Damascus and addressing mutual regional concerns.

The meeting comes after a series of smaller-scale diplomatic interactions and is part of broader efforts to foster cooperation across economic and security domains. Notably, the dialogue included the future integration of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syrian state structures. Both parties are negotiating the terms of integration, with Syrian officials seeking to incorporate the SDF into military frameworks while addressing Kurdish demands for political and cultural rights.

Further discussions highlighted mechanisms to reinforce the constitutional rights of the Kurdish population in Syria under Decree No. 13, focusing on language rights and administrative autonomy. Barzani's visit also extends to engagements with Kurdish officials in Syria, underscoring the growing diplomatic rapport between the Kurdish regional leadership in Iraq and the new Syrian administration.