In a historic meeting in Erbil, Masoud Barzani, the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), emphasized to Mazloum Abdi, the chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the importance of Kurdish unity for securing their rights. The meeting was facilitated by American officials, who provided a helicopter for Abdi’s transportation.
Masoud Barzani office released a statement detailing that during the meeting, participants reviewed the current situation in Syria, along with recent security and political developments. They also discussed the framework for Kurdish parties to engage with Syria’s evolving landscape and the importance of adopting a unified stance among Syrian Kurdish factions.
The statement emphasized that Syrian Kurdish parties must chart their own course through peaceful means, free from external interference. It highlighted the necessity of achieving understanding and agreements with Syria’s new leadership through unity and a collective approach. The goal is to serve as advocates for peace and stability, thereby preventing the recurrence of the tragedies that have impacted the Kurdish community and other groups in Syria.
Abdi’s recent visit to Erbil occurs at a critical time as Syria undergoes a transitional phase following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8.Masoud Barzani of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has been instrumental in efforts to unify both ruling and opposition Kurdish parties in Rojava.
In 2015, the ruling Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the Kurdish National Council (ENKS) signed a historic agreement, facilitated by Barzani, in Duhok, Kurdistan Region, aimed at ending tensions and establishing a power-sharing framework in Rojava. However, the agreement has yet to be implemented, with both sides attributing its failure to the other.
Reactions to the Barzani, Mazloum Abdi meeting
The high-profile meeting took place in the Pirmam district of Erbil and centered on promoting unity and cooperation among Kurds. It received widespread support from Kurdish politicians and citizens, who hailed it as a “historic moment” for the Kurdish people.
Leyla Zana, a former parliamentarian in Turkey and a prominent Kurdish politician, expressed her appreciation for the meeting. On X, she wrote, “Thank you, congratulations, and long live; the coexistence of nations is our foundation. You have inspired hope for the peoples of the Middle East,” highlighting the meeting’s broader significance. A photograph from the meeting quickly went viral, with citizens across the region celebrating it as a unifying milestone for Kurds. Many took to social media to express their enthusiasm, calling the meeting a significant step toward strengthening connections among Kurdish factions.
Aras Sheikh Jangi, a prominent Kurdish politician, shared his thoughts on the meeting through Facebook. He stated, “The greatness of Kak Masoud is evident today. The news of Mazloum’s visit to Kak Masoud brings joy to all Kurds; it’s time for Kak Masoud to embrace the role of elder brother to all Kurds,” highlighting President Barzani’s pivotal role in fostering Kurdish unity.The meeting has ignited hopes for increased collaboration among Kurdish leaders and factions throughout the region, especially given the ongoing challenges faced by Kurdish communities in Syria, Iraq, and Turkey. For many, this gathering represents a renewed commitment to Kurdish unity and dialogue.
