Nechirvan Barzani, the leader of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, met with Syria’s President Ahmed Al Sharaa in Damascus on Monday to discuss the ongoing integration of Syrian Kurdish institutions and forces into the Syrian state. This marks Barzani’s first visit to Syria since the ousting of former President Bashar Al Assad in December 2024.

The talks come after clashes in January between Syrian Kurdish fighters, led by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and the new Syrian government authorities. Those confrontations ended with an agreement to integrate the Kurdish-led forces and administrative structures into the Syrian government framework, effectively curtailing the Kurds’ longstanding pursuit of autonomy in northern and northeastern Syria.

During the meeting, Al Sharaa and Barzani focused on enhancing cooperation, particularly in economic matters, to support security and stability in Syria, according to a statement released by the Syrian presidential office. Barzani expressed his support for a stable and united Syria that respects the rights of all ethnic and religious groups, emphasizing the importance of Syria’s role in promoting regional peace and security.

Syrian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that the primary agenda was to review the January agreement and discuss specific steps for integrating the SDF into state institutions. A Syrian diplomatic source indicated the visit’s purpose was largely to follow up on the implementation of the pact between Damascus and the Kurdish forces. There is also the possibility that Barzani may meet with Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the SDF, during his visit.

Earlier this year, Barzani met Abdi in Erbil, facilitated by U.S. support, during the hostilities that preceded the integration deal. Following the accord, the Syrian government has taken significant steps to reassert control over key Kurdish-held areas. Government forces have been deployed to cities such as Hasakeh and Qamishli, while critical infrastructure including Qamishli airport and major oil fields has been transferred back to state administration.

The agreement represents a shift in the balance of power in northern Syria and marks a setback for Kurdish ambitions of autonomy, which had been sustained for years amid the Syrian civil war and the fight against the Islamic State group. The ongoing discussions seek to solidify Damascus’s sovereignty over these territories while attempting to maintain a degree of cooperation with Kurdish leaders.