President Masoud Barzani hosts SDF Commander Abdi for talks on Rojava, integration deal

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - President Masoud Barzani on Friday hosted Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in Erbil to discuss the situation in northeast Syria (Rojava) and to review the implementation of the ceasefire and integration agreement between Damascus and the Kurdish-led forces, read a statement from the preeminent Kurdish leader's office.

During the meeting - which was attended by Rohilat Afrin, commander of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), an affiliate of the SDF, and Elham Ahmad, a senior figure in the Kurdish-led Rojava administration - President Barzani urged Damascus and the SDF to adhere to the provisions of the January 29 ceasefire and integration agreement.

The leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) further underscored “the necessity of coordination among all parties to ensure the protection and consolidation of the Kurdish people’s rights in Syria in the coming phases, within the framework of the constitution,” his office said.

In mid-January, the Syrian Arab Army and allied armed groups launched a large-scale offensive aimed at pushing back the SDF, which serves as Rojava’s de facto military force, from areas in northern and northeastern Syria, including parts of Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Hasaka provinces.

These territories were initially liberated from the grip of the Islamic State (ISIS) by the Kurdish-led forces, who also serve as a key on-the-ground partner of the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. The SDF subsequently maintained control to prevent the extremist group’s resurgence.

The SDF and Damascus last week said they reached an internationally brokered agreement, facilitated primarily by France and the United States, to end hostilities and integrate Rojava’s civil and military institutions under state control.

Importantly, President Barzani’s meeting with the Rojava delegation came shortly after he received French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, with whom he discussed “the political situation in the region,” including developments in Rojava and concerns over the “risk of ISIS regaining capabilities.”

In a previous statement, his office quoted the Kurdish leader as saying that he had spared no effort “to prevent political disagreements from turning into an ethnic conflict between Kurds and Arabs, and to prevent ethnic cleansing against the Kurdish people in Syria.” He also emphasized his support for the SDF-Damascus agreement, expressing hope that it would pave the way for lasting stability.

Barrot’s visit to Erbil was part of a broader regional tour that included meetings with leaders in the Kurdistan Region, talks with Abdi in the Kurdish capital city, and engagements with senior officials in Damascus and Baghdad.

Last updated 2:12 pm.