On April 23, 2025, in Erbil, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani held a meeting with Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and Ilham Ahmed, Co-President of the Foreign Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).
According to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency, the meeting discussed “the latest developments in Syria, the relationship between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Kurdish political actors in Syria, as well as their dialogue with the Syrian government. The threat of terrorism and the renewed danger of ISIS were also a key focus.”
President Nechirvan Barzani and Commander Mazloum Abdi emphasized the importance of “Kurdish partnership and participation, alongside all ethnic and religious groups in Syria, in governance and the administration of the country, as well as in safeguarding everyone’s rights.”
They also agreed on “the importance of cooperation and unity among all communities in Syria to maintain stability, peace, and security and to confront threats and turmoil.”
The Presidency’s statement further noted that Barzani and Abdi viewed Kurdish unity and cohesion in Syria as “essential guarantees for realizing the legitimate rights and demands of the Kurdish people” in that country.
The statement concluded by mentioning that the situation at al-Hol camp and the role of international partners in confronting ISIS in Syria were other key points discussed in the meeting.
In addition to the high-level meeting with President Barzani, Mazloum Abdi also met with the French Foreign Minister during his stay in Erbil. According to available information, France reaffirmed its support for Kurdish rights in Syria.
It was also previously announced that on Saturday, April 26, a “Kurdish Unity Conference” will be held — a result of President Barzani’s efforts to unify and consolidate the Kurdish voice in Syria.
Abdo Habash, head of the Syrian Kurdistan Front, told The Kurdish Globe: “This conference is directly connected to determining the future of the Kurdish people in Rojava. What do the Kurds want in Syria’s future — decentralization, federalism, or something else? This is the beginning of presenting a unified Kurdish position in Damascus. We need to go with one voice, one delegation, and a shared vision — not fragmented along party lines. This is a historic day for Rojava.”
He emphasized: “This entire initiative is led by President Masoud Barzani, who has become the architect of Kurdish unity in Rojava. He has ensured we do not lose this opportunity.”
He added: “President Barzani is writing the history of Kurdish unity in Rojava — and with his leadership, we will go to Damascus as one.”
Zeydo Bahadri, former advisor to the Kurdistan Parliament, told The Kurdish Globe: “Thanks to President Barzani’s efforts, the Kurdistan Region has managed to bring together the divided Kurdish factions in Rojava and move them toward common understanding — a major step toward forming a joint delegation to Damascus. This is especially significant at a time when Kurdish political groups in Syria have been deeply divided.”
He recalled: “We all remember the days when ISIS launched its brutal assault on Kobane and came close to taking the city. With President Barzani’s support, the Peshmerga forces from Kurdistan crossed the borders of three countries, reached Kobane, and helped defend it. That mission broke the ISIS siege. It was also President Barzani who brought international coalition support to the frontline to assist Rojava.”
The Kurdish Globe