Syria and SDF Hold Constructive Talks in Damascus to Advance March 10 Agreement
Syrian transitional government & DAANES hold "positive" talks in Damascus, forming committees to implement March reconciliation agreement. Focus on education, IDP returns & Aleppo security deal.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a step toward implementing the March 10 agreement signed by Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander Mazloum Abdi, a formal meeting was held Sunday in Damascus between representatives of the transitional Syrian government and a delegation from the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES). The meeting, described by officials as “positive and responsible,” focused on practical mechanisms to advance reconciliation and unify institutions in post-Assad Syria.
Brigadier General Ziad al-Ayesh, a member of the Syrian government’s committee overseeing the implementation of the March 10 accord, told the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) that both sides had agreed on forming specialized subcommittees to facilitate the execution of the agreement.
“These committees will oversee key domains, including administrative integration and civic coordination, with a shared commitment to national interests,” al-Ayesh stated.
The talks also addressed pressing challenges facing the country, including educational disruptions and the reintegration of displaced persons.
Focus on Education and Displacement
According to al-Ayesh, the parties reached consensus on resolving issues related to student examinations and the functionality of testing centers in areas formerly under autonomous control. The goal, he said, is to “safeguard students’ rights and ensure the integrity of the education process.”
Another major topic of discussion was facilitating the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their towns and villages, a matter both sides acknowledged as critical to social stability and national recovery. Al-Ayesh noted that steps would be taken to remove logistical and bureaucratic barriers that currently prevent many displaced families from returning.
Reactivating the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh Agreement
As part of a broader effort to bolster security and civil peace, the two delegations also agreed to revive and enforce the previous agreement concerning the Kurdish-majority neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh in Aleppo. These areas had previously seen heightened tensions and are considered strategic to Kurdish-governmental cooperation in urban settings.
Mutual Commitment to Syrian Unity
Reaffirming their joint dedication to dialogue and cooperation, both delegations reiterated their support for Syria’s unity and sovereignty. Al-Ayesh confirmed that a follow-up meeting would be held in the near future to assess progress and sustain momentum.
A Broader Political Framework
This visit by the DAANES delegation, which includes senior Kurdish and Syriac representatives, marks a continued commitment to institutional dialogue following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Earlier statements by SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi emphasized that the Kurdish-led forces are fully committed to the political agreements signed with the transitional government and are actively working to integrate their institutions and forces into a unified Syrian framework.
Abdi highlighted that failure to fulfill these promises could lead to renewed conflict, warning that while some envision a fractured Syria, others remain committed to a unified state governed by pluralism, equality, and democratic principles.
This negotiation between DAANES and the Syrian government reflects a growing Kurdish consensus on constructive engagement to secure a just resolution to the Kurdish question in Syria.
