ERBIL — Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), met with Tobias Lindner, Minister of State at Germany's Federal Foreign Office, along with a German delegation, on Thursday to discuss regional security, the political situation in Syria, and the future of Kurdish rights.
The meeting, held in Erbil, focused on the evolving political and security landscape in the region, particularly in Syria, where the resurgence of terrorism remains a pressing concern. Both sides emphasized the importance of stability and the need for peaceful dialogue among all parties to address ongoing challenges.
Barzani highlighted the historical struggles of the Kurdish people in Syria, stressing that Syrian Kurdish parties must play a decisive role in shaping their future. He called for a new political system in Syria that recognizes the rights, demands, and unique identity of the Kurdish population.
"The Kurdish parties in Syria should determine their own destiny through peaceful means and dialogue," Barzani said, underscoring the importance of unity and cooperation among Kurdish groups, according to a statement by the Barzani Headquarters.
The discussions also touched on the political situation in the Kurdistan Region, including the ongoing dialogue among local political parties and the formation of a new Cabinet for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Lindner praised the successful conduct of the Kurdistan Parliamentary elections in October 2024, noting the high voter turnout as a testament to the region's democratic progress. He described the elections as "exemplary" and a model for the region.
Both sides reaffirmed the historic ties between the people of Kurdistan and Germany. Barzani expressed gratitude for Germany's continued support, particularly its assistance to the Peshmerga forces in their fight against the Islamic State (IS). "The German government and people have stood by us in our most challenging times, and we deeply appreciate their solidarity," Barzani stated.
In turn, the German delegation reiterated Germany's commitment to supporting the Kurdish people and the KRG. Lindner assured Barzani that Germany would continue to cooperate with the Kurdistan Region in all circumstances, emphasizing the importance of stability and prosperity in the region.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional challenges through dialogue and cooperation. The discussions underscored the critical role of international partnerships in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.