Syria, South Korea establish diplomatic ties, open embassies
LONDON: The Syrian Arab Republic and South Korea established diplomatic relations on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in foreign policy for both republics.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani signed an agreement with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, in Damascus to establish diplomatic relations. A high-level South Korean delegation met Syria's President Ahmad Al-Sharaa at the People's Palace in the Syrian capital.
The agreement would initiate friendship and cooperation between Syria and Korea, opening embassies and exchanging diplomatic missions between the two countries, the SANA agency reported.
Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the move was aimed at restoring the country's international standing, which had weakened due to the policies of the former Assad regime.
South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: 'This development opens a new chapter of cooperation with Syria, whose bilateral relations with South Korea had been severed due to its close ties with North Korea.'
Syria was the only UN member without diplomatic ties to South Korea, which gained independence in 1948. It is now the 191st country to establish official relations with Seoul.
The Assad regime, which collapsed in December 2024, had built close ties with Seoul's neighboring foe, North Korea, which provided it with military assistance during the Cold War.
Three non-UN members, the South Pacific island nations of the Cook Islands and Niue, and the Holy See, have not yet established ties with Seoul.
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