President Barzani receives SDF’s Mazloum Abdi in Erbil

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Thursday received a senior delegation from northeast Syria (Rojava), led by Mazloum Abdi, leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). 

The Rojava delegation is expected to meet with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Erbil later in the evening, Rudaw has learned. 

"During the meeting, the latest military and political developments in Syria, the Kurdish issue in the country, and the agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF were discussed," read a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.

"President Nechirvan Barzani reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s support for a peaceful resolution of disputes, stressing the importance of continued dialogue between all parties and the protection of the rights of all components and the Kurdish people within the framework of a unified Syria," it added. 

The Rojava delegation also included Rohilat Afrin, commander of the all-female branch of the SDF and Elham Ahmed, co-chair of the Rojava administration’s foreign relations office. 

Erbil played a key role in the recent talks between the SDF and the interim government in Damascus which produced a comprehensive agreement, which includes a permanent ceasefire following weeks of deadly clashes between both sides and the gradual integration of the SDF and Rojava’s civilian structures. 

Unlike previous truces, this one is holding and practical steps have been taken on the groups for its implementation, including the deployment of state forces in Kurdish areas and the appointment of a Kurdish governor for the predominantly Kurdish province of Hasaka. 

During a joint presser with President Barzani, Barrot thanked him for his “decisive” role in the SDF-Damascus talks. 

France and the US are the main international mediators of the SDF-Damascus agreement.