Barzani, French FM discuss Syria, Turkey peace process in Erbil meeting

ERBIL — Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani met Friday with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to discuss regional developments, security concerns and relations between France and the Kurdish people.

Barrot conveyed greetings from President Emmanuel Macron and reaffirmed France’s support for the Kurdish people. He said he was pleased to visit the Kurdistan Region “to closely understand the political situation in the region” and consult with leaders “to reach appropriate solutions to the region’s challenges.”

The meeting in Pirmam was attended by French Ambassador Patrick Durel and Consul General Yann Braem.

Barrot highlighted what he described as “historical relationships” between France and the Kurds, presenting Barzani a 1967 letter from his father, the late Kurdish leader Mullah Mustafa Barzani, to former French President Charles de Gaulle. The letter has been preserved in French Foreign Ministry archives. Barzani thanked Barrot and called it “a valuable document” proving “the long-standing relationship and friendship between the Kurdish and French peoples.”

The two exchanged views on Syria, the peace process in Turkey and political developments in Iraq.

On Turkey, Barzani said he hopes the peace process will succeed “through dialogue,” adding that he has “always supported this process.” The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, announced in May 2025 it would dissolve its military structures and abandon its armed struggle against the Turkish state, following a video message from jailed founder Abdullah Ocalan.

On Syria, Barzani said he has worked to prevent political disputes from becoming “ethnic conflict between Kurds and Arabs” and to prevent “ethnic cleansing against the Kurdish people in Syria.” He said he supports the agreement between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, expressing hope it would become “a foundation for stability and resolving issues.”

Syria’s government and the SDF reached a broad agreement in late January to gradually integrate Kurdish military and civil institutions into the state after weeks of clashes ended in a ceasefire.

On security, Barzani warned that “the danger of a resurgence of ISIS exists,” saying there is a need for “an appropriate mechanism and coordination among all parties” to confront the threat.

Barrot arrived in Iraq on Thursday following a visit to Syria. In Baghdad, he met with Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani before traveling to Erbil, where he also held meetings with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi.