President Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), hosted Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander Mazloum Abdi on Thursday in a groundbreaking meeting in Erbil's Pirmam district.

The encounter, hailed as "historic," has been widely praised across the Kurdish political spectrum and beyond for its focus on fostering unity among Kurdish factions and addressing the future of Kurds in Syria amidst ongoing regional challenges.

“This meeting was the wish of millions of Kurds. We hope it continues and opens the door to good,” stated Osman Baydemir, a prominent Kurdish politician from Turkey (Bakur), on the social media platform X.

Renowned Kurdish politician and former Turkish parliamentarian Leyla Zana also expressed her gratitude for the meeting. “You raised the hope of the peoples of the Middle East. Congratulations and long live coexistence,” she said, highlighting the broader regional implications of the dialogue.

Symbol of Hope for Kurdish Solidarity

A photograph from the meeting quickly went viral, with citizens and political leaders describing the gathering as a major step toward uniting Kurdish voices across Syria, Iraq, and Turkey.

“The greatness of Kak Masoud (Barzani) is revealed today. The news of Mazloum’s visit is a source of joy for all Kurds,” wrote influential Kurdish politician Aras Sheikh Jangi, underscoring Barzani’s central role in Kurdish unity.

The meeting comes during a pivotal period for Syria, following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. Discussions focused on ensuring Kurdish rights in Syria's evolving political framework and emphasized peaceful dialogue, avoiding external interference, and fostering regional stability.

Renewed Push for Kurdish Unity

Barzani’s office confirmed that the dialogue centered on uniting Syrian Kurds through peaceful means. Media outlets in Rojava highlighted the significance of the meeting, with Roj News describing it as essential for achieving unity and protecting Kurdish rights. Hawar News Agency (AHNA) labeled it a pivotal moment for safeguarding Kurdish interests in Syria’s new political landscape, while Ronahi noted that the discussions opened possibilities for renewed cooperation among Kurdish factions.

The event has sparked optimism for greater collaboration among Kurdish leaders in Syria, Iraq, and Turkey, in light of the challenges facing Kurdish populations in the region.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

Barzani has long played a mediatory role in Kurdish politics, previously brokering the 2015 Duhok Agreement between the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the Kurdish National Council (ENKS/KNC) to unify Kurdish factions in Rojava. While the agreement was never fully implemented, Thursday’s meeting marks a renewed effort to solidify Kurdish unity as Syria navigates its transitional phase.

Political analysts and citizens alike are hopeful that the Barzani-Abdi meeting will lead to tangible outcomes, fostering peace and stability for the region while advancing Kurdish aspirations.