Nechirvan Barzani Meets US Envoy and Syrian President, Focus on Syria Kurds and Regional Stability

Peregraf — Nechirvan Barzani met with Tom Barrack and Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, with talks focusing on Kurdish affairs in Syria and broader regional developments.

In his meeting with Barrack, who also serves as Washington’s ambassador to Turkey, discussions centered on relations between the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the United States, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.

The two sides also addressed the implications of the Iran-Israel-US conflict on regional security, stressing the need for cooperation to promote stability. 

A key focus of the talks was recent developments in Syria, particularly the situation of Kurds in the country.

The discussions come after a January 29 agreement between the Syrian interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, brokered with mediation involving Kurdish leaders from the Kurdistan Region and the United States.

The deal followed escalating clashes in northern Syria, where government forces and allied groups seized territory previously held by Kurdish forces in areas including Aleppo, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Hasaka.

Under the agreement, the SDF is to be integrated into Syrian state military and administrative structures, alongside the incorporation of civil institutions in northeast Syria into the national system.

The framework also includes provisions recognizing Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights and expanding political representation for Kurdish-majority areas.

In a separate meeting, Barzani held talks with Sharaa, where he commended the Syrian interim president’s efforts to stabilize the country and implement the agreement with the SDF.

Barzani said the discussions also covered strengthening ties between Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and Syria to advance shared security and economic interests.

The meetings highlight ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Kurdish leadership in shaping post-conflict arrangements in Syria and addressing wider regional challenges.