US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with European counterparts in Rome on Thursday to discuss efforts to promote stability in Syria, as concerns grow over Turkey’s threats against Kurdish forces in the conflict-ravaged country.

Blinken’s meeting at a Renaissance-era villa in Rome marked the final stop of his diplomatic tour, which also included visits to South Korea, Japan, and France. The trip is likely his last as Secretary of State before President-elect Donald Trump takes office later this month.

During the working dinner on Syria, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized the West's focus on achieving a "stable and united Syria" following the recent overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels.

The talks underscored the importance of protecting minority groups in Syria after Assad’s fall. Western officials also called for respect for human rights, adherence to international humanitarian law, and ensuring Syria does not become a base for terrorism or pose a threat to neighboring countries, according to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

The discussions come amid growing concerns over Turkey’s threats against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have established de facto control over parts of northern Syria during the civil war.

A war monitor reported that clashes between Turkish-backed groups and Kurdish-led forces, supported by airstrikes, left 37 people dead on Thursday.

While the SDF has been a key US ally in the fight against the Islamic State, Turkey views the group as linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which it deems a terrorist organization.

Speaking in Paris prior to his arrival in Rome, Blinken acknowledged Turkey's "legitimate concerns" but emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution. He suggested that the SDF should be gradually integrated into a restructured national Syrian army, with the removal of foreign fighters.

"This is a process that will take time," Blinken stated. "In the meantime, further conflict would undermine all progress made in Syria. We are committed to preventing that."