Former United States Secretary of Defence Christopher Miller urged the US to provide support to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) while emphasising the preservation of its unique framework, in a meeting with AANES’ Foreign Relations Department co-chair Bedran Çiya Kurd on Sunday.
The meeting was held on 16 August to discuss vital matters related to regional stability and the bolstering of the Autonomous Administration, during Miller’s visit to the Kurdish-led North and East Syria.
Miller underscored how the eradication of extremist groups in the region and the pursuit of stability relies on the essential US support.
The discussions had a pronounced emphasis on the myriad challenges of confronting the AANES, the imminent threats it faces, and the criticality of bolstering it both economically and politically. The former Secretary of Defence extended his gratitude to the local population for their unwavering dedication in the fight against terrorism.
During the exchanges, Çiya Kurd provided a comprehensive overview of the regional situation, delving into broader issues while elucidating the pressing challenges. He highlighted the necessity of collaborative efforts to ensure enduring stability in the area.
Miller reiterated the significance of addressing the predicaments associated with camps and prisons. He emphasised the need for enhanced support in these aspects, noting that further endeavours are still required to navigate the existing challenges.
Miller held a number of key meetings during his visit, including a significant meeting with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Commander Mazloum Abdi.
Christopher Miller served as defence secretary from November 2020, to January 2021. Prior to that, he directed the US National Counterterrorism Centre.