US Congressman Corey Mills: The United States wants Syria to play a leading role in the region and wants to build relations with the country

In new statements that open the door to discussion about the future of US-Syrian relations, US Congressman Cory Mills emphasized the importance of former US President Donald Trump’s executive order lifting sanctions on Syria.

He considered this step a real opportunity for Syria in the post-toppling era of the authoritarian regime that had controlled the country for more than five decades.

In an interview with the Syria TV, Congressman Mills explained that easing sanctions would directly contribute to supporting the reconstruction process and boosting economic growth, and would also pave the way for any future elected Syrian government to achieve tangible progress on the political and economic levels.

Mills pointed out that the executive order Trump might sign doesn’t necessarily require the repeal of the Caesar Act, but could lead to the easing of sanctions through the US Treasury Department, enabling economic openness and allowing investment and free trade with Syria, as the full repeal of the Caesar Act, requires legislative action from Congress.

Mills emphasized that Syria’s infrastructure is suffering from severe deterioration and is in dire need of rapid international support, calling for enhanced cooperation with Arab countries that are willing to contribute to Syria’s reconstruction.

He added that the United States can play an effective role by enabling American companies to enter the Syrian market and forge economic partnerships with neighboring countries.

Regarding future US policy toward Damascus, the US Congressman explained that Washington seeks to build a strategic partnership that will achieve regional stability and ensure the security of allies, including Israel.

He emphasized that Trump’s expected decision reflects a genuine desire to engage in building new relations with Syria.

He revealed that Trump’s meeting with a number of Syrian figures, along with Mills’ visit to Damascus—the first member of Congress to visit the country since the fall of the Assad regime—sent a clear message that the United States is open to establishing new diplomatic relations with a transitional Syrian government that represents all components of society.

On the security front, Mills pointed out the real challenges facing the new Syrian government, particularly in light of the threats posed by extremist groups such as ISIS, in addition to the attempts of external forces—such as Iranian militias—to destabilize the country.

However, he noted that the expulsion of these militias and the beginning of the formation of a new Syrian Army are among the most notable achievements of the new phase.

Mills spoke about his discussions with the transitional president regarding the possibility of integrating the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian army, believing that the presence of an international mediator such as the United States could help facilitate this process, provided there is comprehensive internal consensus.

Mills emphasized that the success of the political process in Syria requires genuine representation of all components—Alawites, Christians, Sunnis, and Druze, men and women, young and old—to build a democratic state based on the principles of national unity and political pluralism.

He emphasized that the goal isn’t to strengthen the authority of a particular entity or group, but rather to achieve a comprehensive vision for a unified and free Syria.

In concluding his remarks, Mills emphasized that US policy focuses on supporting Syria to become a responsible regional partner to its neighbors, such as Jordan and Israel, and to play an active role in reshaping the map of stability in the Middle East.

He also expressed optimism about the future of relations between the two countries, especially under the new administration, which seeks to move beyond the past and engage in a political phase based on partnership and mutual respect.

He added, “We believe in the new Syria, and we want to see it as an independent, democratic state, capable of integrating economically and commercially into the region, and returning to being a friendly country on the international stage”.