Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa held talks with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Monday at the People’s Palace in Damascus, focusing on bilateral relations, ways to enhance cooperation and coordination, especially in the economic sector.

The Syrian presidency said the discussions also addressed developments in the region and several issues of mutual interest, with the aim of supporting security, stability and regional cooperation.

Barzani said the meeting highlighted Syria’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region, expressing support for a stable and united Syria that protects the rights of all ethnic and religious communities.

He added that Syria, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region share common interests and have significant opportunities to expand economic cooperation for the benefit of their peoples.

Barzani also said Syria is facing a historic opportunity for recovery, reconstruction and development, expressing confidence in al-Sharaa’s vision and Syria’s ability to move toward greater stability and prosperity.

The Kurdistan Region president arrived in Damascus earlier Monday for an official visit, the first since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government on December 8, 2024. The visit came at the invitation of President al-Sharaa.

The visit takes place amid growing political and security coordination between Damascus and Erbil, particularly regarding border issues and developments in northeastern Syria.

Previous meetings between al-Sharaa and Barzani helped pave the way for the visit, which comes as discussions continue over the future relationship between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Erbil previously served as a key venue for political contacts during tensions between the Syrian army and the SDF in early 2026, when SDF commander Mazloum Abdi held meetings with Barzani under US mediation.

On January 29, Damascus and Kurdish forces reached an agreement outlining the integration of Kurdish self-administration institutions and forces into Syrian state institutions.

A Syrian government source said the visit focused on following up on the agreement and the procedures for integrating the SDF into the Syrian government. A Syrian diplomatic source added that Barzani was also expected to meet with SDF commander Mazloum Abdi.

Barzani had previously welcomed the agreement between Damascus and the SDF, describing it as an important step toward rebuilding a unified Syria and protecting the rights of Kurds and other communities.

The implementation of the agreement has included the deployment of Syrian security forces in Hasakah and Qamishli, the state takeover of Qamishli airport and northeastern oil fields, and the appointment of Kurdish military figure Siban Hamo as deputy defense minister for the eastern region.

The agreement also includes forming a military division within the Syrian army consisting of three brigades from the SDF in northeastern Syria, along with another brigade for forces in Kobani.

Ahead of Barzani’s visit, a Syrian Foreign Ministry delegation held talks in Erbil regarding the reopening of the Syrian consulate in the Kurdistan Region.

The visit comes amid wider regional tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict, adding further importance to discussions on borders, security cooperation and economic relations between Damascus and Erbil.