Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul (left) on April 10 holds a summit with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani in Damascus, Syria.
By Charles Audouin
Photos = Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The country has formed diplomatic relations with Syria.
Korea thus has official ties with all 191 member states of the United Nations except North Korea.
In February, Seoul sent a delegation to Damascus to confirm Syria’s willingness to set up relations.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yeol and his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani signed a joint statement on forming bilateral ties in Damascus, Syria.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul said the move “opens a new chapter of bilateral cooperation has opened with Syria, with which diplomatic ties had been severed due to its close relationship with North Korea.”
Both ministers held talks after the signing on the direction of relations.
The ministry said in a news release, “Minister Cho emphasized that stability and prosperity in Syria are crucial for peace not only in the Middle East but also in the global context. He expressed his hope that cooperation between the two countries contributes to the development of Syria and stability in the Middle East.”
“Minister Cho conveyed the ROK’s (Republic of Korea) willingness to share its development experience in support of Syria’s national reconstruction efforts. He also noted the possibility of Korean companies’ participation in Syria’s rebuilding process, once relevant conditions improve.”
The ministry quoted Minister al-Shaibani as expressing “his hope for the ROK’s support in easing sanctions on Syria” and “to continue discussions on potential avenues for the ROK’s contribution to Syria’s future reconstruction.”
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul (left) on April 10 shakes hands with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa after their meeting in Damascus, Syria.
Minister Cho later paid a courtesy call on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The ministry said, “Minister Cho met with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and extended his congratulations on the successful launch of the new government formed through inclusive representation following the end of the (Bashar) al-Assad regime.”
“(Minister Cho) added that the ROK stands ready to play a meaningful role in supporting the new government’s efforts.”
President al-Sharaa was quoted as saying he welcomed the setup of bilateral relations, stressing the importance of Korean support in Syria’s pursuit of a new beginning and expressing his hope that both sides develop friendly and cooperative relations that contribute to international peace.
caudouin@korea.kr
