Syrian Kurdish leader Abdi meets U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham

MUNICH, Germany,— General Mazloum Abdi, the Syrian Kurdish leader, and Elham Ahmed, Co head of the Foreign Relations Department of Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), met U.S. members of Congress on Saturday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2026.

The American delegation was headed by Senator Lindsey Graham and also included Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Jacky Rosen, Peter Welch, Richard Blumenthal, and Andy Kim.

The Kurdish officials welcomed what they described as the role of the American lawmakers in supporting Kurdish rights and regional stability.

In a statement posted on X, Abdi said, “With great honor, we had the opportunity to meet with a delegation of members of the United States Congress, led by Senator Lindsey Graham, and comprising Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Jacky Rosen, Peter Welch, and Andy Kim, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2026.”

Abdi said that during the past period, these members, under the leadership of Graham, had been among the most prominent advocates for the rights of the Kurdish people and their forces. He stated that they maintained constant contact, listened to their calls and engaged with the evolving situation on the ground.

“They have played a crucial role in supporting our cause and have provided tangible support through several initiatives and bills, including ‘Save The Kurds Act,’ a significant step that we cherished,” Abdi wrote on X.

He added, “We extend our sincere gratitude to all of them for their steadfast support of regional stability and their provision of invaluable assistance to Syria and its people during this pivotal moment. These esteemed members have and continue to serve as pivotal partners in the promotion of justice and freedom for our People.”

The meetings took place as the security and political situation in northeast Syria, known as Rojava, continues to change.

In January 2026, Syrian government Islamist forces and allied armed groups moved into several cities that had previously been under Kurdish control. The development led to weeks of clashes, thousands of Kurds were displaced.

On January 29, the Syrian Democratic Forces SDF and authorities in Damascus announced an internationally brokered agreement to end hostilities. The deal provides for the gradual integration of civil and military institutions of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria DAANES into Syrian state structures.

Abdi’s remarks came after further meetings in Munich that included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Syrian interim Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani and Elham Ahmed. Abdi said the talks addressed counterterrorism efforts, the future of Syrian Kurdistan and assurances to ensure the January agreement is carried out.

“They said they are committed to implementing this agreement. We requested guarantees from them,” Abdi said. “They said there should be a guarantee mechanism to ensure the agreement is implemented and monitored.”

Abdi called the meetings in Munich “very important.” He said the discussions focused on “how to constitutionally guarantee Kurdish rights and preserve Kurdish identity,” alongside plans to integrate the SDF into Syria’s state institutions as regional brigades.

French president Emmanuel Macron, left, with General Mazloum Abdi, center, Elham Ahmed on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2026 in Germany, February 14, 2026. Photo: iKurd.net/video/X

Abdi also met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the conference.

In a post on X on Friday, Abdi said he discussed efforts toward a ceasefire in Syria with Macron. He wrote that he “found his straightforward and personal commitment to efforts aimed at achieving a durable ceasefire and sustainable de escalation in Syria.”

“We highly value this active role and commend France’s steadfast position in supporting stability and combating terrorism,” Abdi wrote. “We look forward to the continuation of France’s positive role at this pivotal stage, in support of our efforts and our people to safeguard the region and preserve stability across all Syria’s territory.”

In addition, Abdi met U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

In another statement on X, Abdi said, “We were pleased to meet with Senator Richard Blumenthal, who introduced the ‘Save the Kurds Act’ alongside Senator Lindsey Graham. Your support for our people and us, and your rapid action, are greatly respected and appreciated. All gratitude for all the steps you have taken, and we look forward together to continuing the work for a new Syria where peace and justice prevail.”