Salih Muslim: PUK & PYD Maintain Strategic Relationship

Kurdistan 12:53 PM - 2025-08-31

Salih Muslim, a member of the Presidency Board of the Kurdistan Democratic Union Party (PYD).

Salih Muslim, a member of the Presidency Board of the Kurdistan Democratic Union Party (PYD), underlined the ongoing fight against terrorism, the challenges facing West Kurdistan (north and east Syria)  in its dealings with the Damascus government, and the importance of decentralisation. He also highlighted the decisive role of regional and international actors in resolving the Kurdish question.

Moslem further noted that the PYD and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) maintain strategic relations, recalling that President Mam Jalal played a historic role in internationalising the Kurdish Question.

In an exclusive interview with Kurdistani Nwe, Muslim said: “The whole world knows that we have been on the frontlines of the fight against terrorism since 2012. After liberating West Kurdistan from the forces of the former Syrian regime, we began the war on terror — a war that continues to this day.”

PYD and PUK Maintain a Strategic Relationship

Regarding the relation between the PUK and the PYD, Muslim said: “The PYD and the PUK maintain a strategic relationship. Since its establishment, the PUK has consistently supported and assisted West Kurdistan in every possible way, and today we believe this relationship can be further expanded.”

War is Not the Solution

On the talks with Damascus, Muslim said: “We want to resolve our differences with the Damascus government peacefully, because war is not a solution and we do not seek the division of Syria. The Kurdish question is an international matter that must be resolved through international efforts to be resolved. International forces also want peace in the Middle East because no one emerges victorious from war. But Damascus seeks an unfair peace, while we want a fair peace — without which lasting peace in Syria will remain elusive.”

He further stated: “An oppressive and dictatorial state is not the solution. The only viable path for West Kurdistan is democracy. The best system for our region is decentralisation, which can take various forms, including autonomy, regional governance, federalism, or even confederation.

“We will never accept a return to a fully centralised system in Syria, nor the conditions that existed before 2011,” he said. The dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is unacceptable. Our region must remain protected by our own forces — a principle for which the SDF was established.”

Strategic Relationship with the PUK

On the relations between Kurds across the four parts of Kurdistan, Salih Muslim stated: “The Kurdish people must remain united across all four parts of Kurdistan. Relations between West Kurdistan and South Kurdistan (the Kurdistan Region) are particularly close, especially with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. In 2014, when Peshmerga forces went to Kobanê, the Kurdish people as whole welcomed them with great joy. I hope the spirit of unity and brotherhood will continue to guide us, with the Kurdish people defending their rights through politics and diplomacy.”

He added: “The PYD and the PUK maintain a strategic relationship. Since the establishment of the PYD, the PUK has provided consistent support, and this partnership can be further expanded. The PUK has backed West Kurdistan in all its achievements, including within the framework of the international coalition against ISIS.”

Mam Jalal Internationalised the Kurdish Question

Regarding the Kurdish Question, Muslim said: “When Mam Jalal was in good health, he promised to receive a Kurdish delegation along with the Arab Coordination Group. Unfortunately, on the day of our scheduled visit, he fell ill, and we were only able to see him afterwards. Nevertheless, we carry many fond memories of him; he always welcomed us warmly.

He added: “The last time I met him, together with Hero Khan, Mam Jalal demonstrated his unique personality and stature. The seeds he planted have now grown into flourishing trees, bearing fruit. For example the Social Democratic Alliance's internationalisation of the Kurdish Question is thanks to Mam Jalal’s vision and efforts.”



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