Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on October 16, 2024, in Ankara, marking a significant moment for both sides. Their talks will center on regional security, including the impact of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, and enhancing relations between Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and Turkey.
This visit occurs as renewed discussions of a Kurdish peace process in Turkey have resurfaced. Barzani had previously attempted to mediate between the SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and Turkey, though these efforts failed due to Ankara’s firm stance at the time. However, the regional dynamics have since shifted, raising hopes for a different outcome in this visit.
The possibility of a renewed peace process between Turkey and its Kurdish population could also feature in the talks, especially given Turkey’s interest in stabilizing its southern border while addressing its security concerns. Barzani’s role as a mediator could be crucial if Ankara shows willingness to resume dialogue.
Observers are keen to see if Barzani’s visit can help reinitiate a Kurdish peace process and contribute to broader regional stability. With the region in flux, this visit could reshape the future of Turkish-Kurdish relations and how regional powers navigate the complex geopolitics of Iraq and Syria.
