SDF, Damascus meet Rubio on integration deal
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, said on Saturday that he held a “very productive” meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to discuss progress in implementing the integration agreement between the SDF and Damascus.
In a post on X, Abdi expressed gratitude to the United States for facilitating the agreement and supporting its implementation.
He also praised diplomatic efforts that enabled the SDF delegation to participate in the Munich Security Conference as representatives of the Syrian state within a unified national framework.
Separately, Ilham Ahmad, Co-chair of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Kurdish Autonomous Administration, confirmed that the meeting with Rubio, Abdi and al-Shaibani took place on the sidelines of the Munich gathering.
Ahmad said the talks reflected the importance of international coordination to support stability in Syria.
She stressed that any sustainable political process must be based on responsible dialogue, safeguard the rights of all Syrians, and strengthen partnerships in a manner that preserves the country’s unity and leads to a comprehensive political settlement.
She added that the Autonomous Administration continues to pursue diplomacy and mutual understanding, guided by what she described as national responsibility and the sacrifices of the Syrian people, to achieve a just peace and secure future.
The integration agreement between the SDF and the Syrian transitional government is part of ongoing efforts to redefine relations between Damascus and the Autonomous Administration in northeast Syria following years of conflict.
Discussions over integration have focused on administrative arrangements, security coordination, and the future status of local institutions within a unified Syrian state.
The meeting at the Munich Security Conference signals continued U.S. engagement in facilitating dialogue between the two sides, amid broader international calls for a political solution to the Syrian crisis that maintains territorial integrity while addressing governance and representation demands.