ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - President Masoud Barzani on Friday received French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Erbil, with developments in northeast Syria (Rojava) and efforts to prevent ethnic conflict topping the agenda, alongside broader discussions on regional security and political stability.
According to a statement from the Barzani Headquarters, Barrot highlighted the roles of President Barzani and French President Emmanuel Macron in encouraging Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to “reach an agreement in Syria.” He also praised the preeminent Kurdish leader’s “role in addressing challenges in Iraq and the wider region.”
For his part, President Masoud Barzani said he spared no effort “to prevent political disagreements from escalating into an ethnic conflict between Kurds and Arabs, and to prevent ethnic cleansing of the Kurdish people in Syria.” He also reiterated his support for the agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF, expressing hope that it would provide a foundation for “stability and the resolution of issues at this stage.”
The SDF and Damascus on January 29 reached an internationally brokered agreement, following weeks of clashes. Facilitated primarily by France and the United States, the deal aims to end hostilities and integrate Rojava’s civil and military institutions under state authority.
The agreement came after the Syrian Arab Army and affiliated armed groups launched a large-scale offensive in mid-January, seeking to push back the SDF - the de facto military force in Rojava - from areas in northern and northeastern Syria.
Following his meeting with Barrot, President Barzani hosted SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi, urging both Damascus and the Kurdish-led forces to adhere to the ceasefire and integration agreement.