The U.S. State Department on January 19 welcomed the January 16 meeting between Kurdistan Democratic Party President Masoud Barzani and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander-in-Chief General Mazloum Abdi.

“Intra-Kurdish dialogue can play a critical role in bolstering an inclusive political transition in Syria,” the U.S. State Department posted on X.

On Thursday, January 16 President Masoud Barzani received General Abdi in Salahaddin to discuss Kurdish unity efforts in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime.

The United States welcomed the January 16 meeting between Kurdistan Democratic Party President Masoud Barzani and Syrian Democratic Forces Commander General Mazloum Abdi. Intra-Kurdish dialogue can play a critical role in bolstering an inclusive political transition in Syria.

— U.S. State Dept - Near Eastern Affairs (@StateDept_NEA) January 19, 2025

During the meeting they explored ways to establish a unified stance among Syrian Kurdish parties.

“The discussion emphasized the necessity for Syrian Kurdish parties to make decisions about their future through peaceful means, without external influence,” the readout from the Barzani Headquarters said.

Both officials also stressed the importance of unity and coordination in negotiations with the new Syrian authorities to secure their rights.

The meeting came amid an initiative by France and the United States to bring Kurdish parties together in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime, and the takeover of Damascus by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Previously, in a meeting with the Kurdish National Council delegation in Erbil on January 8, President Masoud Barzani stressed his support for the cause of the Kurdish people in Syria.