South Korea has formally established diplomatic relations with Syria’s new Islamist-led authorities, months after a insurgent coalition ousted President Bashar al-Assad, Seoul’s international ministry introduced on Friday.
South Korean International Minister Cho Tae-yul visited Damascus on Thursday to signal a joint assertion together with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani, marking the formalisation of bilateral ties.
In a press release, the South Korean international ministry stated the settlement paves the way in which for cooperation beforehand restricted by Syria’s “shut ties with North Korea”.
Al-Assad, who had lengthy maintained shut relations with North Korea, was overthrown in December by a lighting insurgent offensive.
In the course of the newest talks, Cho expressed South Korea’s willingness to assist Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction, following greater than 13 years of civil battle. He indicated that the rebuilding course of may finally contain South Korean companies and humanitarian help.
Al-Shaibani reportedly welcomed the provide and expressed hope that Seoul would additionally help in assuaging worldwide sanctions on Syria, in response to the South Korean ministry.
With this transfer, South Korea now maintains diplomatic relations with 191 UN member states, leaving solely North Korea out within the chilly.
When Seoul established diplomatic relations with Cuba final 12 months, the South Korean authorities described it as a “political and psychological blow” to the north, whose diplomatic relations nonetheless rely closely on outdated Chilly Warfare allies.
North Korean state media has not commented on the south’s newly established ties with Syria.
Relations between Seoul and Pyongyang are at a low, with North Korean chief Kim Jong-un persevering with his nuclear weapons programme whereas deepening navy ties with Russia, together with by supplying arms and personnel to be used within the battle in Ukraine.
