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South Korea–Syria relations

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South Korea–Syria relations
Map indicating locations of South Korea and Syria

South Korea
Syria
Envoy
Ambassador of South Korea to SyriaAmbassador of Syria to South Korea

South Korea–Syria relations refers to the bilateral relations between the Republic of Korea and the Syrian Arab Republic. Formal diplomatic relations were established on 10 April 2025, marking a significant shift in Syria's international relations and completing South Korea's diplomatic outreach and foreign relations to nearly all United Nations member states.[1][2]

History

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South Korea and Syria established diplomatic relations through a Joint Communiqué signed by Asaad al-Shaibani and Cho Tae-yul, 10 April 2025

Prior to 2025, Syria was the only United Nations member state that did not maintain diplomatic relations with South Korea.[2] This was largely due to Syria's long-standing alliance with North Korea, which included military cooperation and ideological alignment during the Cold War and beyond.[3][4]

Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, a transitional government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa was formed.[5] This new administration aimed to normalize relations with Western and Asian nations, including South Korea, as part of broader efforts to reintegrate Syria into the international community.[5]

Establishment of diplomatic relations

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On 10 April 2025, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul visited Damascus and met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. During the meeting, both sides signed a formal agreement to establish diplomatic relations, which included plans to open embassies and exchange diplomatic missions.[1][6] This agreement made South Korea the last major country—excluding North Korea—to formalize diplomatic relations with Syria.[2]

Areas of cooperation

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The establishment of diplomatic ties is expected to foster cooperation in several sectors:

  • Reconstruction: South Korea expressed interest in contributing to Syria's post-conflict reconstruction, drawing on its own experience with economic development and infrastructure building.[7]
  • Humanitarian assistance: Seoul has also offered humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, in support of Syria's recovery from years of conflict.[7]

The move is diplomatically significant for both nations. For South Korea, it marks the near completion of formal ties with all UN member states, with the exception of North Korea.[1] For Syria, it represents a strategic pivot toward broader global engagement and a move away from its previous isolation under the Assad regime.[2][8]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "S. Korea establishes diplomatic ties with Syria in foreign policy milestone". Yonhap News Agency. 11 April 2025. Archived from the original on 11 April 2025. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d "Syria, South Korea establish diplomatic ties, open embassies". Arab News. 2025-04-10. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  3. ^ Taylor, Adam (25 March 2016). "Are North Koreans fighting in Syria? It's not as far-fetched as it sounds". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 3 August 2016.
  4. ^ Shim, Elizabeth. "Syria builds park in honor of North Korea founder Kim Il Sung". UPI. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  5. ^ a b "Syria's transitional government formed under President al-Sharaa". Reuters. 2025-04-10. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  6. ^ m.eyon (2025-04-10). "Syria, South Korea sign agreement to establish diplomatic relations". Syrian Arab News Agency. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  7. ^ a b "Syria and South Korea discuss cooperation and". Prensa Latina. 2025-04-10. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
  8. ^ "Korea expands diplomatic outreach with Syria". Korea.net. 2025-04-10. Retrieved 2025-04-10.
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