South Korea and Syria Establish Diplomatic Relations, Opening a New Chapter of Cooperation

South Korea has officially established diplomatic relations with Syria, marking a significant step towards expanding its international ties. This move comes after the fall of the pro-North Korean dictatorship in Syria last year, following a 13-year civil war.

Key Highlights:

• Joint Statement: Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul signed a joint statement with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani in Damascus.
• Universal Diplomacy: With this, South Korea now has diplomatic ties with all 191 UN member states, except North Korea. Including non-UN members like the Vatican, Niue, and the Cook Islands, the total reaches 194 countries.
• Future Cooperation: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that this opens a new chapter for cooperation, especially after strained relations due to Syria’s close ties with North Korea.

During their bilateral meeting, Minister Cho expressed that Syria’s stability and prosperity are crucial for peace in the Middle East and globally. He offered South Korea’s experience in national development to aid Syria’s reconstruction and hinted at potential participation of Korean companies in reconstruction projects, conditions permitting. Additionally, South Korea pledged humanitarian aid, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and rice, to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani conveyed his gratitude and requested South Korea’s support in easing sanctions against Syria. He also looked forward to discussing South Korea’s role in Syria’s reconstruction.

Minister Cho also met with interim President Ahmed Al-Shara, congratulating him on the successful formation of a new government after the ousting of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Cho emphasized that continued inclusive political processes, decisive action against extremism, and the removal of chemical weapons would foster an environment conducive to Syria’s reconstruction and economic development. He assured that South Korea would support these efforts.

President Al-Shara welcomed the establishment of diplomatic relations, highlighting the importance of South Korea’s support for the new Syria. He expressed hopes that this would promote friendly cooperation contributing to international peace.

Background: Al-Shara assumed power after the forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) ousted the Bashar al-Assad regime in December, ending the civil war that began in 2011. Despite the end of the conflict, Syria faces significant economic challenges and requires substantial reconstruction efforts.

The establishment of diplomatic ties was expedited after a South Korean delegation visited Syria in early February to confirm Syria’s interest in establishing relations. This swift progress was facilitated by the change in Syrian leadership, which distanced itself from North Korea, a long-time ally of the Assad regime.

Implications: This diplomatic achievement underscores South Korea’s commitment to global engagement and its willingness to support countries in transition, potentially paving the way for increased cooperation and mutual benefits.