Damascus, Syria— Syria’s Transitional Administration and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) formalized a sweeping integration agreement on Monday, merging the SDF’s military and civilian institutions into state structures. The deal, signed by Transitional President Ahmad al-Shara and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi in Damascus, has drawn widespread praise from regional and international actors as a critical step toward stabilizing the war-torn nation.Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry hailed the pact as “a vital measure to safeguard Syria’s unity and sovereignty,” emphasizing support for “state-led efforts to achieve security and meet the aspirations of the Syrian people.” Jordan similarly welcomed the agreement, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sufyan Qudah stating it “lays the foundation for rebuilding Syria on principles of sovereignty and inclusivity.”
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Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi praised the integration of northeastern Syria’s institutions into the state, urging all Syrian factions to “prioritize national unity and disarm under state authority.” Qatar also applauded the agreement, stressing the need for a “single, inclusive national army” to ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.
Germany’s Special Envoy to Syria, Stefan Schneck, welcomed the agreement in a post on X stating: “We congratulate President Ahmed Al-Shara and General Mazloum Abdi on their decision to work together. Syria needs leadership and compromise to achieve a better future.”
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The pact places SDF-controlled infrastructure, including Qamishli Airport, oil and gas fields, and border crossings, under Damascus’ oversight. It reaffirms a nationwide ceasefire, pledges to facilitate the return of displaced civilians, and guarantees Kurdish constitutional rights and political representation. The SDF also committed to supporting the transitional government in combating “remnants of the Assad regime.”
Al-Shara emphasized that the agreement “rejects division and affirms Syria’s indivisibility,” vowing to hold accountable anyone undermining civilian safety or exploiting state power. The administration has already initiated arrests of individuals accused of abuses during recent clashes in Syria’s coastal region.
The deal follows months of technical negotiations between the SDF and Damascus, first reported by The Guardian in February. With regional powers rallying behind the accord, focus now shifts to implementation amid Syria’s fractured governance and lingering security challenges.
