ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – President Masoud Barzani on Sunday held a phone call with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, stressing the importance of establishing stability and expressing mutual gratitude for the role their respective sides played in “establishing peace” in Rojava (northeast Syria).

In late January, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced that it had reached a “comprehensive agreement” with Damascus that will see a phased integration process of the Kurdish-led forces into the Syrian state after weeks-long clashes between both sides.

The two sides exchanged views regarding the latest developments and changes in Syria, agreeing on “the necessity of continuing to take every step to prevent chaos, complications, and conflict, and to establish peace and stability in the region,” according to a statement from Barzani Headquarters.

They further congratulated each other for the effective role they have played in establishing peace and stability in the region.

President Barzani highlighted the US role in the negotiations and peace efforts, and emphasized “the continuation of the alliance between the people of Kurdistan and America.”

The agreement includes “the withdrawal of military forces from contact points and the entry of security forces affiliated with the Ministry of Interior into the cities of Hasaka and Qamishli.” It also stipulates the “gradual integration” of Kurdish forces and institutions into the Syrian state.

The implementation of the agreement began days ago, 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.

The agreement was reached after weeks of deliberation and foreign mediation, including top officials from the Kurdistan Region such as President Masoud Barzani, who held numerous phone calls with both interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi.

Barzani also hosted a meeting between Abdi and US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in Erbil, where a potential halt to hostilities and a ceasefire agreement were discussed.