Content of the Meeting Between President Barzani and the French Foreign Minister

On the Morning of Friday, February 6, 2026, in Pirmam, President Masoud Barzani received H.E. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador Patrick Durel, French Ambassador to Iraq, and Mr. Yann Braem, France’s Consul General in Erbil. Minister Barrot conveyed President Emmanuel Macron’s greetings to President Barzani and reaffirmed the strength of Franco-Kurdish relations, France’s friendship, and its continued support for the people of Kurdistan. He expressed his pleasure at visiting the Kurdistan Region and meeting President Barzani, noting that his visit aimed to gain a close understanding of regional political developments and to consult with regional leaders in pursuit of practical solutions to the Middle East’s challenges.

Minister Barrot also referred to the ongoing efforts by President Macron and President Barzani to encourage the relevant parties in Syria to reach an agreement, and he highly valued these efforts. He praised President Barzani’s role and standing in helping address issues in Iraq and across the region.

In a symbolic gesture highlighting the longstanding historical ties between France and the Kurdish people, Minister Barrot presented a letter written in 1967 by the late Mullah Mustafa Barzani to President Charles de Gaulle, which had been preserved in the archives of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. President Barzani thanked the minister and described the letter as a valuable document affirming the depth and continuity of friendship between the peoples of Kurdistan and France.

The two sides exchanged views on regional developments, including Syria, the peace process in Türkiye, and political developments in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. President Barzani emphasized that lasting stability in the Middle East depends on resolving disputes through peaceful means. Regarding Türkiye, he expressed hope that the peace process would reach a successful outcome through dialogue, reiterating that he has consistently supported the path of peace.

On developments in Western Kurdistan (Rojava), President Barzani stated that he had made every effort to prevent political disputes from escalating into ethnic conflict between Kurds and Arabs, and to avert any acts of ethnic cleansing against Kurds in Syria. He affirmed support for the agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), expressing hope that it would serve as a foundation for stability and for addressing outstanding issues in the next phase.

President Barzani also warned of the threats posed by the resurgence of terrorism, stressing the risk of ISIS reconstituting and the need for effective mechanisms and coordinated action among all parties to confront ISIS and broader terrorist threats.

In the concluding part of the meeting, President Barzani thanked France for its consistent support for the people of Kurdistan, particularly during difficult times. Minister Barrot reaffirmed that France has long held a special concern for the Kurdish cause in the Middle East and supports the Kurdish people in achieving their legitimate rights through peaceful means. He also emphasized France’s support for safeguarding the Kurdistan Region and for the continuation of a strong and stable Kurdistan Region.