On Saturday, 17 December 2026, President Masoud Barzani hosted a high-level meeting focused on the situation in Syria, bringing together senior U.S. officials and Syrian Kurdish leaders to discuss peace and stability amid ongoing challenges.

The meeting was attended by the United States Special Envoy to Syria, Ambassador Thomas J. Barrak; Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF); and Mohammed Ismail, leader of the Syrian Kurdish National Council (ENKS/ANKS). Also present were the U.S. Consul General in Erbil, Ms. Windy Green; the Commander of U.S. Forces in Syria, General Kevin Lambert; and Colonel Zachariah Cork.

President Barzani welcomed the participants and expressed his appreciation for their presence under the current circumstances. He underscored the importance of peace, the prevention of violence, and the pursuit of dialogue, stressing that stability and coexistence are essential for the future of a new Syria.

Speaking on behalf of the United States, Ambassador Barrak thanked President Barzani for his hospitality and commended his continued support and engagement on Syrian affairs.

During the meeting, participants exchanged views on key developments and discussed a number of practical steps aimed at promoting stability and reducing tensions in Syria.