The prime minister of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region is urging Syria’s new leadership to adopt a long-term political solution for the country’s Kurds, following mediation that helped calm recent violence in northeastern Syria.

Masrour Barzani said in an interview with The National that Kurdish rights should be guaranteed in Syria’s constitution, warning that verbal assurances alone would not ensure lasting stability.

“Syria is not a homogeneous state,” Barzani said. “There are many different communities and religions, and all must feel included.”

Fighting in northeastern Syria has eased after talks between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which control large parts of the region. The emerging agreement includes plans to gradually integrate SDF forces into the Syrian state.

Barzani said Kurdish leaders played a central role in mediation efforts alongside the United States and France. He confirmed that SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and U.S. envoy Tom Barrack visited Erbil as part of the diplomatic push.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party has long been wary of the SDF because of its ties to the PKK, but Barzani said the Kurdistan Regional Government increased engagement after the collapse of Syria’s former government in 2024.

Barzani also addressed political and economic challenges at home, including budget disputes with Baghdad and delayed salary payments, while highlighting efforts to expand economic ties with Gulf countries, especially the United Arab Emirates.