Kurdistan Region president meets Syrian president at Antalya forum

NEWSROOM — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met Friday with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where the two leaders discussed regional cooperation and security, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.

Talks focused on strengthening relations between Syria, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, with both sides emphasizing the importance of good neighborly ties and shared regional interests. The continued threat posed by ISIS was also a key point of discussion.

The Syrian Presidency released photos of the meeting but did not provide further details.

Full statement of the Kurdistan Region Presidency:

President Nechirvan Barzani met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Friday in Antalya, Türkiye, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

Their discussions focused on the future of Syria’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing the principles of good neighborliness and mutual interests, while also highlighting the importance of continued efforts to combat the threat of ISIS.

President al-Sharaa shared his vision for a Syria that embraces all communities, ensuring that the constitution guarantees the rights of every citizen.

In response, President Nechirvan Barzani commended the Syrian President’s perspective and underscored the critical need for peace and stability in Syria, advocating for a political resolution to the country’s challenges that respects the rights of all communities, particularly the Kurdish people, and fosters regional peace.

President al-Sharaa also reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to strengthening relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, aiming to build partnerships that benefit both sides and promote broader regional stability.

The meeting also addressed regional tensions and their impact on both Iraq and Syria.