France reaffirms support for Kurdish forces in Syria amid regional talks

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot met with Ferhat Abdi Şahin, leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian wing of the PKK, in Irbil, northern Iraq, to discuss the ongoing situation in Syria.

The meeting forms part of a broader regional tour, following Barrot's visit to Baghdad, Caliber.Az reports citing Turkish media.

Barrot's discussions with Şahin focused on enhancing political and security stability in Syria and supporting dialogue among Syrian groups, particularly the YPG and the central government in Damascus. The French Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring the “rights and interests of Kurds must be fully taken into account” during Syria’s transition process, underscoring France's historical support for Kurdish forces, particularly in their battle against ISIS.

In a post on X, Barrot reaffirmed France’s solidarity with the YPG, saying, “With our comrades-in-arms against ISIS for 10 years, Commander Mazloum, the leader of Syrian Democratic Forces.” This gesture underscored France's ongoing commitment to its Kurdish allies in the fight against ISIS.

The talks also explored ways in which France could play a role in a long-term political settlement for Syria. Barrot reiterated France’s position that any resolution must involve the YPG and the Syrian government to ensure Syria’s territorial unity while safeguarding the rights of all its communities.

The PKK, which is considered a terrorist organization by the European Union, the US, and Türkiye, has been a source of tension in regional geopolitics. Türkiye views the YPG as an extension of the PKK, a group responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in Türkiye. Despite this, the US and France have provided support to the YPG under the guise of their shared fight against ISIS.

Earlier this month, Syria's post-Assad government reached an agreement with the YPG and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for their integration into the new Syrian political structure, which Ankara has welcomed and is monitoring closely.

By Vafa Guliyeva