For the first time, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Friday in Antalya, Turkiye, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and underlined the importance of combating the ISIS threat.
This marks the first meeting between a senior Kurdish official from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the new Syrian interim president since the fall of the Assad regime in December.
Read More: Syrian FM Invites Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to Syria
On January 23, Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani also invited Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to Syria during the Davos forum in Switzerland.
I was pleased to meet with President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Antalya. We discussed the situation in Syria where he shared his vision for a future Syria that embraces all its people. I commended his inclusive approach and assured him of our continued support.
— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) April 11, 2025
We also reaffirmed our… pic.twitter.com/JnEi7nspL2
The Kurdistan Region Presidency in a readout said that their discussions focused on the future of Syria’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing the principles of good neighborliness and mutual interests, while also highlighting the importance of continued efforts to combat the threat of ISIS.
The New York Times recently reported that ISIS “has shown renewed vigor in Syria, attracting fighters and increasing attacks, according to the UN and U.S. officials.”
Al-Sharaa shared his vision for a Syria that embraces all communities, ensuring that the constitution guarantees the rights of every citizen.
A meeting brings together President of the #Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Asaad Al-Shaibani, with President of the #Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum. pic.twitter.com/bg9WBe5zYr
— SANAEnglishOfficial (@SANAEnOfficial) April 12, 2025
In response, the Kurdish President commended the Syrian President’s perspective and underscored the critical need for peace and stability in Syria, advocating for a political resolution to the country’s challenges that respects the rights of all communities, particularly the Kurdish people, and fosters regional peace.
Al-Sharaa also reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to strengthening relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, aiming to build partnerships that benefit both sides and promote broader regional stability.
