President Masoud Barzani received Mazlum Abdi, Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in Duhok on Thursday. The meeting was also attended by Muhammad Ismail, head of the ENKS, Kurdish politician Othman Bademir from Northern Kurdistan, and several other Western Kurdish political figures and officials.

President Barzani welcomed the visiting delegation and expressed his satisfaction that both sides are participating in the MEPS 2025 conference in Duhok. The delegation, in turn, thanked President Barzani for his longstanding role in defending the just cause of the Kurdish people. The discussions covered the political and security developments in Syria and the wider region.

President Barzani emphasized that the Kurdish question in Syria must be resolved through democratic and peaceful means within the framework of a new Syrian political order. He stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes and avoiding their repetition. Barzani further highlighted the need for tolerance, coexistence, and unity among Kurdish political forces, reaffirming that the rights of the Kurdish people must be protected and respected.

During the meeting, Commander Mazlum Abdi expressed his gratitude to Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for inviting him to MEPS 2025. He praised President Barzani’s efforts to foster dialogue and promote unity among Kurdish parties in Western Kurdistan (Rojava). Abdi also commended the Kurdistan Region for opening its doors to displaced people from Western Kurdistan and for its vital support in the fight against terrorism.

The two sides also discussed concerns over the potential resurgence of ISIS, as well as the importance of supporting the peace process in Turkey.