ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - President Masoud Barzani on Saturday hosted a critical meeting between Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander Mazloum Abdi and US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in Erbil’s Pirmam district where they stressed the need for dialogue and coexistence in Syria.

The meeting, attended by Kurdish National Council (KNC/ENKS) leader Mohammed Ismail and several US officials, as well as Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, saw all sides exchange views on ways to bring about stability in the country.

“President Barzani emphasized the importance and significance of dialogue, stability, and coexistence in the new Syria,” read a statement from Barzani Headquarters.

“Subsequently, the attendees had discussions and exchanged views on several topics, and to bring about stability, they shed light on several practical steps,” while Barrack thanked President Barzani for his continued support, it added.

Abdi and Barrack arrived in Erbil on Saturday to meet top Kurdistan Region leaders about the escalations between Kurdish-led and Damascus-affiliated forces. Barrack has met several officials during his visit, including an earlier meeting with President Masoud Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

Kurdish-led and Damascus-affiliated forces have clashed several times since the year started with the worst being in Aleppo’s Kurdish-majority neighborhoods which saw hundreds of civilians killed and over 150,000 displaced.

Abdi late Friday announced that they have decided to withdraw from areas in eastern Aleppo, where clashes with Damascus-linked factions frequently took place, in a show of “good faith” in completing the integration process in accordance with the March 10 Agreement.

The implementation of the March 10 Agreements was long stalled by continued clashes between the two sides and disagreements on core governing principles, with the Kurdish authorities demanding a decentralized Syria while Damascus maintained its centralized stance.