Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani meets with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and a congressional delegation on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Feb. 14, 2026.
Barzani meets Macron, Graham, von der Leyen at Munich conference amid Syria talks
MUNICH — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani held a series of meetings at the 62nd Munich Security Conference on Thursday and Friday, meeting U.S., European, Arab and regional officials to discuss political and security developments in Iraq, the Kurdistan Region and the wider Middle East.
On Friday, Barzani met U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and a congressional delegation. Discussions focused on U.S.-Iraq relations, with the delegation describing the Kurdistan Region as a stabilizing presence and reaffirming support for its constitutional standing. Talks also addressed Syria and the importance of safeguarding Kurdish rights within any future constitutional framework.
Barzani met French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday. Both sides emphasized safeguarding Kurdish rights in the future constitution of a unified Syria. Barzani expressed gratitude for France’s continued support for the constitutional rights of the people of Kurdistan.
In a separate meeting, Barzani met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Discussions covered EU relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the situation in Syria including the Kurdish population, and terrorism threats. Von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting peace and stability in the region.
On Friday afternoon, Barzani met Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. Discussions focused on recent developments in Syria and their impact on regional stability. Al-Shaibani commended the Kurdistan Region’s role in facilitating dialogue between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces. Barzani emphasized the importance of protecting Kurdish rights in Syria’s future constitution.
Barzani also met Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Both sides emphasized preserving stability and preventing conflict. Aboul Gheit commended Barzani and the Kurdistan Region for efforts to maintain balance and foster coexistence.
Meetings with German officials included Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Parliamentary State Secretary Nils Schmid. Discussions addressed military cooperation, including the role of German advisers in training the Peshmerga. Barzani also met Federal Minister Reem Alabali Radovan, discussing reconstruction, human development and assistance to refugees and the Yazidi community.
On Friday, Barzani met Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans to discuss strengthening relations. He also met Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Thursday to discuss regional developments.