President Masoud Barzani received Victoria Taylor, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq and Iran and current head of the Iraq Initiative at the Atlantic Council, on Wednesday in Pirmam.

According to a statement, the meeting focused on the current situation in the region, the political process in Iraq, and ongoing efforts by Iraqi political parties to form a new federal government. Discussions also covered relations between Erbil and Baghdad and the importance of strengthening coordination between the two sides.

The talks further addressed developments in Syria and Western Kurdistan. Taylor underscored President Barzani’s significant role in supporting stability efforts, highlighting his continued engagement with Damascus, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and the U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Syria. She praised his efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and promote dialogue as a means of resolving disputes.

For his part, President Barzani reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace and stability in Syria and Western Kurdistan. He stressed the importance of maintaining the truce and ceasefire between Damascus and the SDF and called on both parties to fully implement the terms of their agreement to end ongoing tensions.

President Barzani emphasized that no effort has been spared in mediating between the sides and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict.