ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A political umbrella coalition representing key parties in northeast Syria (Rojava) on Tuesday hailed Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani's visit to Syria and his meeting with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa as a milestone for Erbil-Damascus ties and a catalyst for advancing national dialogue and Kurdish rights in the new Syria.
"This visit represents an important political step that will enhance dialogue and understanding between both sides and develop relations between Syria and the Kurdistan Region," the Kurdish National Council (ENKS) said in a statement, adding that the visit "will open new horizons for understanding and cooperation” between Erbil and Damascus.
The visit "reflects the positive and diplomatic role played by President Nechirvan Barzani in bridging viewpoints and fostering stability," the coalition added, noting that it also advances "national dialogue toward a lasting solution to the Kurdish issue within a unified, democratic, decentralized Syria that guarantees the national rights of the Kurdish people."
President Barzani was welcomed at the People's Palace in Damascus by Sharaa, with a large Kurdistan flag displayed at the palace entrance to mark the occasion.
In a statement posted on X after the meeting, the Kurdish leader said discussions centered on expanding "bilateral ties and ways to strengthen cooperation to serve stability and the interests of our two peoples."
Speaking to reporters, including Rudaw's, at the People's Palace, Kurdistan Region Presidency Spokesperson Dilshad Shahab said "President Barzani has made every possible effort - both now and in previous stages - to bring viewpoints closer," especially between Damascus and Rojava, to reach "a comprehensive agreement."
For his part, Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - which serves as Rojava's de facto armed force - also lauded the visit on Monday, highlighting President Barzani's "important role in supporting the Kurdish cause in Syria and in Kurdistan as a whole."
The Kurdish president's visit to Damascus came after he played a key role in facilitating a landmark agreement between the SDF and Damascus in late January, following weeks of escalation. The agreement established a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, along with provisions for integrating Rojava's civil and military institutions into the Syrian state.
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