ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Monday, where the two leaders discussed strengthening relations, particularly in the economic sector.

The visit marks the first by the Kurdistan Region president to Syria since the country's new authorities took power.

“During the meeting, they discussed the relations between the two sides and ways to enhance cooperation and coordination, particularly in the economic field,” the Syrian Presidency said in a statement.

The two leaders also discussed the latest regional developments and a number of issues of mutual interest, “which contribute to supporting security and stability and promoting regional cooperation.”

The statement did not provide further details about the discussions.

Ahead of the meeting, however, The New Region learned that Barzani and Sharaa were also set to discuss the January 29 ceasefire and integration agreement between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Dilshad Shahab, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region Presidency, told reporters that Barzani “expressed his happiness with the changes” in Syria.

During their meeting, Barzani and Sharaa discussed the role of the Kurdistan Region in taking in “hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees who are in the Kurdistan Region until now,” according to Shahab.

Shahab said they discussed “economy, security and stability, and advancing the Kurdistan Region’s relations with Syria” and the implementation of the deal between the SDF and Damascus “which the Kurdistan Region has continuously had a positive role in”

SDF chief Mazloum Abdi is also set to hold meetings with both Sharaa and Barzani a day later on Tuesday, media affiliated with the Kurdish-led force reported on Sunday.

The Kurdistan Region has been vocal throughout Syria’s political transition, with Kurdish leaders regularly expressing support for the new government but also for minorities, including Kurds in Rojava (northeast Syria). 

In mid-June, Barzani hosted SDF Abdi and US envoy for Syria and Iraq Tom Barrack in Erbil to discuss cooperation between Syria’s Kurds and Damascus. During the meeting, Barzani reaffirmed Erbil’s support for a stable Syria.

Erbil also played a key role in mediating the January agreement that halted weeks of clashes between the Syrian army and the SDF in northern and northeast Syria.