South Korea opens diplomatic relations with Syria

South Korea has formally established diplomatic relations with Syria, closing a decades-long gap and opening a new chapter in its global diplomacy.

The South Korean foreign ministry confirmed the agreement on Friday, describing it as a “milestone moment” that brings the country’s diplomatic outreach full circle. With the signing, Seoul now has relations with all 191 U.N. member states.

The breakthrough comes after years of political distance, driven by Syria’s close alignment with North Korea. That alliance, once marked by regular exchanges and state media coverage, has faded in recent years. Since the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December, North Korea has made no direct mention of Syria, aside from a passing reference to “the Middle East crisis” by Kim Jong Un.

The diplomatic communique was signed in Damascus on Thursday by South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Syrian representative Asaad al-Shibani.

Seoul said Minister Cho also met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, offering to share South Korea’s development expertise to support Syria’s post-war reconstruction.

The move mirrors Seoul’s recent diplomatic push. Last year, South Korea opened ties with Cuba, another longstanding ally of Pyongyang.

For South Korea, the agreement signals a strategic and symbolic shift, turning a former Cold War divide into a possible new space for cooperation.

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