The Élysée Palace announced that French President Emmanuel Macron held phone calls with Ahmad al-Sharaa, interim president of the Syrian transitional authority, and with General Mazloum Abdi on Saturday, 31 January 2026, during which they discussed ongoing developments in the region.
According to an Élysée statement, “As a continuation of the mediation efforts undertaken in recent weeks, the President of the Republic welcomed the agreement on a permanent ceasefire reached between the Syrian authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces, stressed the need for its full implementation, and reaffirmed his complete commitment to supporting the latter.”
Macron also reaffirmed France’s firm commitment, together with its partners, to continuing the fight against ISIS, while respecting France’s security interests, which are also the interests of the region, as well as of the rest of Europe and the United States.
The Élysée statement further affirmed that France will continue to support Syria and the Syrian people, in cooperation with its partners, on the path toward stability, justice, and reconstruction, for a Syria that enjoys peace, respects all its components—particularly its Kurdish population—and fully participates in combating terrorism.
Kurdish Leader Masoud Barzani Holds Phone Call with Mazloum Abdi, Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces
In this context, a phone call was held on Sunday, 1 February 2026, between President Masoud Barzani and Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, according to the official website of the Kurdish leader.
During the call, the latest developments in Syria and the steps for implementing the agreement concluded between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces were discussed. Emphasis was also placed on resolving problems and overcoming obstacles through dialogue, and on consolidating peace and stability in Syria.
Another phone call was held on the evening of Saturday, 31 January 2026, between President Masoud Barzani and Ahmad al-Sharaa, President of the interim authority in Syria.
According to a statement published on the official website of the Kurdish leader, the call addressed the situation in Syria and the latest developments there, in addition to the agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces and the forthcoming steps.
The call also stressed the need to consolidate the foundations of peace and stability in Syria, emphasizing that dialogue and mutual understanding are the only way to address problems and disputes.
This comes after weeks of military confrontations, following which the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian authority led by Ahmad al-Sharaa announced that they had reached a comprehensive ceasefire agreement that includes the gradual integration of forces and institutions.
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