ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday said that Kurds in Syria must be recognized and respected, expressing hope that the recently-signed agreement between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) will mark the beginning of a sustainable resolution.

“We are hopeful that, this will be the beginning of a more sustainable agreement between the two sides, which will bring peace and stability to the country,” Barzani told reporters on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai.

The SDF announced on Friday that it has reached a “comprehensive agreement” with Damascus to enable a phased integration process of the Kurdish-led forces into the Syrian state, after weeks-long clashes between the two sides.

The Kurdish premier stressed the necessity of “respecting the rights of all the components of Syria including the Kurdish people who have suffered a lot.”

“They deserve to be recognized and respected,” Barzani emphasized.

Barzani welcomed the ceasefire and integration agreement shortly after its announcement on Friday, expressing hope that the understanding “will be expanded and become a source of more peace, freedom, stability, and progress for all of Syria, especially the Kurdish areas.”

Kurdistan Region officials were at the forefront of mediation efforts, with President Masoud Barzani hosting a critical meeting between SDF chief Mazloum Abdi and US Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in mid-January to discuss a potential ceasefire with Damascus.

Abdi thanked Prime Minister Barzani last week for his role and efforts to support the Kurdish-held Rojava (northeast Syria) during the weeks-long conflict.

“We expressed our deep appreciation for the continued support his [Masrour Barzani’s] government has provided to our people, embodying the spirit of partnership and shared responsibility in these difficult circumstances,” said Abdi on X.

The agreement between Damascus and SDF includes “the withdrawal of military forces from contact points,” the entry of Syrian interior ministry security forces into the Rojava cities of Hasaka and Qamishli, and “the commencement of the integration of security forces in the region,” according to the SDF.

The implementation of the agreement began on Monday, with Syrian security forces entering areas in Rojava. The entry of the Damascus forces is supposed to be temporary, reportedly lasting only up to 15 days.