Azernews.Az

By Alimat Aliyeva

The Foreign Ministers of Syria and the Republic of Korea, Asaad Al-Shibani and Cho Tae-yul, signed an agreement to establish diplomatic relations, Azernews reports.

During his visit to Damascus, Cho Tae-yul and the Syrian minister agreed to open diplomatic missions, including embassies, marking a significant step toward enhancing bilateral ties.

Asaad Al-Shibani emphasized that South Korea's support is vital for Syria and expressed hope for "friendly cooperation that would contribute to international peace," according to Yonhap news agency.

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in turn, expressed hope that the resumption of diplomatic relations would mark "a new chapter in cooperation with Syria," potentially opening up avenues for greater diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges.

Yonhap also noted that South Korea now has established diplomatic relations with all UN member states, with the notable exception of North Korea (DPRK). The ministry recalled that past efforts to establish relations with Syria were complicated by Syria’s historical ties with North Korea, including military cooperation.

This diplomatic breakthrough comes amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. While the exact nature of future collaboration remains uncertain, South Korea's engagement with Syria could offer new avenues for economic partnerships, particularly in the fields of infrastructure, technology, and reconstruction efforts, as Syria works to rebuild after years of conflict.

It is also worth noting that the recent announcement could have broader implications for South Korea’s foreign policy, as it may pave the way for similar diplomatic initiatives with other countries in the region. While South Korea has traditionally maintained cautious diplomatic relations in the Middle East, this agreement with Syria signals a potential recalibration of its approach toward the region.

In addition, Yonhap reported that at the end of November 2024, armed opposition groups launched a large-scale offensive against Syrian government positions. On December 8, they entered Damascus, prompting President Bashar al-Assad to resign and leave the country, marking a critical turning point in Syria's ongoing conflict.