ERBIL – President Masoud Barzani met on Sunday with US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Joshua Harris in Erbil to discuss recent developments in Syria and a landmark agreement involving the Syrian Democratic Forces. During the meeting, both sides emphasized Erbil’s role in supporting dialogue and political engagement between Kurdish-led forces and Damascus.
According to a statement from Barzani’s headquarters, the US diplomat conveyed Washington’s appreciation for Barzani’s efforts in helping facilitate the agreement between Syria’s interim authorities and the SDF. Harris praised Barzani’s engagement as constructive and influential during a sensitive phase for northern Syria.
Earlier the same day, President Barzani also held talks with SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi. The discussions focused on the evolving situation in Syria and practical steps related to implementing the newly announced agreement. Both sides reviewed political and security developments affecting Kurdish areas.
The agreement, announced on Friday, outlines plans to integrate civilian and military institutions in northeast Syria into the Syrian state framework. The deal followed weeks of heightened military pressure after Syrian government forces advanced into areas previously controlled by the SDF in mid-January.
Several of the affected regions had earlier seen intense fighting against ISIS. Kurdish-led forces played a central role in clearing those areas following the group’s 2014 declaration of a self-proclaimed caliphate. Recent clashes, however, prompted SDF units to withdraw from parts of Aleppo, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and areas near Hasaka.
President Barzani also met on Saturday with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Their talks addressed similar issues related to stability, dialogue, and future coordination.
Separately, Barzani and Harris discussed internal political developments. They stressed respect for constitutional processes and the importance of dialogue among political forces. Both sides welcomed ongoing consultations aimed at strengthening political stability and cooperation.