"While we are on guard against Russian aggression, we recognize the need to work with Russia where mutual interests intersect. Nowhere is that more evident than in Syria," Rex Tillerson wrote.

Writing in Wednesday's end-of-the-year article for the New York Times, Tillerson accused Russia of hostile actions against its neighbors and his nation’s Western allies.

He said Washington expected Russia to deliver on its commitments to create a new future for Syria, after Russian President Vladimir Putin backed the UN-led process in Geneva, Switzerland.

"We are confident that the fulfillment of these talks will produce a Syria that is free of Bashar al-Assad and his family," he said, referring to Syria’s embattled president, Sputnik news agency reported.

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