French Foreign Minister Visits Erbil in Show of Solidarity
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot arrived in the Kurdistan Region this week for a high-profile diplomatic visit that underscored the depth of ties between Paris and the people of Kurdistan. Over two days, Barrot held separate meetings with President Masoud Barzani and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, covering issues from the Syrian conflict and the ISIS threat to bilateral relations and the broader political landscape in the Middle East. The visit came at a critical juncture, with the region grappling with political transitions in Syria, persistent security threats, and the potential for escalating tensions involving Iran and Turkey.
Nechirvan Barzani and Barrot Stress Syrian Agreement and ISIS Threat
On Thursday evening, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received Barrot for wide-ranging discussions centered on the December 29 agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Nechirvan Barzani thanked President Macron for his personal role in facilitating a ceasefire in Syria and fostering dialogue between Damascus and the SDF, calling for the agreement to be implemented under international oversight.
Barrot reaffirmed France’s mediation efforts, noting that the agreement must be fully implemented to ensure political and security guarantees for Kurdish integration. He called for a presidential decree recognizing Kurdish linguistic, cultural, and educational rights, stating that recognizing Kurdish identity is essential for Syria’s recovery. Both leaders agreed that ISIS remains a genuine threat and that the international coalition’s mission must continue.
Nechirvan Barzani’s behind-the-scenes diplomacy also played a pivotal role in the lead-up to the Syrian ceasefire. Reports indicate he used his influence—including reaching out to figures in the United States and leveraging his close ties with regional and world leaders —to help push for the deal, efforts credited with helping prevent bloodshed and paving the way for the December 29 accord.
During the press conference that followed, Barrot invoked the historic Franco-Kurdish bond, recalling that France spearheaded UN Security Council Resolution 688, which established a no-fly zone that helped halt the genocide of Kurds under Saddam Hussein. He also announced that Kurdistan Region authorities had endorsed strengthening France’s diplomatic status in Erbil.
The French foreign minister’s visit sends a clear signal that Paris remains deeply invested in the stability of Iraq, the future of Syria, and the rights of Kurdish communities across the region.
By Jawad Qadir