South Korea has officially established diplomatic relations with Syria, a long-time ally of North Korea. Among the 193 member countries of the United Nations, Syria was the only country without diplomatic relations with South Korea.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 11th, Minister Cho Tae-yeol signed a joint statement on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Syria with Syrian Foreign Minister Ahmad al-Shaybani in Damascus on the 10th (local time), thereby establishing official diplomatic relations with Syria.
With this, South Korea has established diplomatic relations with Syria, following Cuba last year, thus having diplomatic relations with all UN member countries except North Korea. Including non-member states such as the Vatican City, Cook Islands, and Niue, Syria becomes South Korea's 194th diplomatic partner.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs evaluated, "A new chapter of cooperation has opened in the bilateral relationship with Syria, which had been severed due to close ties with North Korea."
After the signing ceremony of diplomatic relations, Minister Cho held a bilateral meeting with Minister al-Shaybani to discuss the direction of relations between the two countries after the establishment of diplomatic ties. He also expressed the intention for South Korean corporations to participate in rebuilding activities during Syria's national reconstruction process and to share South Korea's development experience.
Additionally, South Korea decided to provide humanitarian goods such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and rice to support Syria's response to the humanitarian crisis it faces.
President al-Shara seized power after leading the rebel group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to overthrow the dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad in December last year. Although Syria ended the civil war that started in 2011 with the rebels' victory, the economy has collapsed, making reconstruction desperately needed.
Minister Cho later paid a visit to interim President Ahmed al-Shara and congratulated him on the successful launch of the new government through an inclusive government formation after the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime.
He further noted that if Syria continues an inclusive political process, responds firmly to extremism, and eliminates chemical weapons, a favorable environment for Syria's reconstruction and sustainable economic development will be created.
President al-Shara welcomed the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Syria, stating that South Korea's support is crucial for the new beginning of Syria, and urged both countries to develop a cooperative relationship that contributes to international peace through this diplomatic tie.
Syria has maintained a close relationship with North Korea since establishing diplomatic relations in 1966 for over half a century; however, the transitional government is distancing itself. It is also reported that all diplomats from the North Korean embassy in Syria fled after the Assad regime collapsed.