SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi and Ilham Ahmed meet French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Arba’ilo (Erbil), Kurdistan Region of Iraq

ARBA’ILO, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Commander Mazloum Abdi and Co-Chair of the Foreign Relations Commission of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAARNES) Ilham Ahmed met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Arba’ilo (Erbil), Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).

The meeting focused on strengthening political and security stability in North and East Syria and fostering dialogue among Syrian parties. Discussions also explored France’s role in advancing a political resolution in Syria.

This diplomatic engagement is part of ongoing efforts by the DAARNES and SDF to secure international support for their inclusion in Syria’s political process.

Earlier in his visit to Iraq, Minister Barrot held talks with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in Baghdad, before traveling to the KRI for meetings with Kurdish officials. Barrot underscored the need to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and warned against Iraq becoming entangled in regional conflicts, according to the Iraqi News Agency.

In Ankawa, Barrot met with Chaldean Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako to discuss the challenges facing Christians in the Middle East. They emphasized the importance of ensuring a secure homeland that upholds their rights and dignity. The meeting was also attended by Patriarchal Assistant Archbishop Basilios Yaldo and Seminary Director Father Thomas Tammo.

Au cardinal Sako, patriarche des catholiques chaldéens, j’ai renouvelé l’engagement de la France pour préserver, au Moyen-Orient, des sociétés plurielles dans lesquelles les chrétiens doivent avoir toute leur place.

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— Jean-Noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) April 24, 2025