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.
Uzbekistan and South Korea are deepening their collaboration on railway development as both countries advance plans for a high-speed passenger rail line connecting Tashkent and Samarkand.
Mongolia’s Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority and the Korea Gas Safety Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 29, 2025, to enhance cooperation on flammable gas safety.
South Korea’s Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo has resigned and announced his presidential bid, pledging to shorten his term to three years in order to pursue constitutional reform and apply his economic expertise to address the ongoing trade crisis.
South Korea has won a landmark $18.2 billion contract to build two nuclear reactors in the Czech Republic—its first overseas nuclear power project in 16 years—signaling a renewed push into Europe's growing energy market.
South Korea’s Supreme Court reinstated election-law charges against liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung on Thursday, suddenly jeopardizing his candidacy in June’s snap presidential election.
A new U.S.-supported initiative to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza is expected to start operating shortly, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Friday, though specific details are yet to be made public.
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for steep tariffs on Chinese imports, calling 80% levies “right” ahead of high-level trade talks in Geneva aimed at easing escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan signed a series of trade and transit agreements during a high-level business forum in Karachi, paving the way for expanded commercial cooperation and long-term logistics development between the two countries.
France and Poland will sign a groundbreaking treaty on Friday to deepen cooperation on defence and energy, signaling a growing alignment among European nations.
In a notable shift from traditional Republican policy, President Donald Trump has proposed raising taxes on high-income earners to help finance broader tax cuts for middle- and working-class Americans.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Friday that early signs ahead of this weekend’s U.S.-China trade talks in Switzerland appear positive, with both sides showing mutual respect and a constructive tone.
A new U.S.-supported initiative to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza is expected to start operating shortly, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Friday, though specific details are yet to be made public.
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for steep tariffs on Chinese imports, calling 80% levies “right” ahead of high-level trade talks in Geneva aimed at easing escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
France and Poland will sign a groundbreaking treaty on Friday to deepen cooperation on defence and energy, signaling a growing alignment among European nations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a renewed drive to establish a unified capital market across the EU, aiming to unlock private investment for defence, digitalisation, and climate initiatives, with significant progress expected before summer.
A new U.S.-supported initiative to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza is expected to start operating shortly, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Friday, though specific details are yet to be made public.
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for steep tariffs on Chinese imports, calling 80% levies “right” ahead of high-level trade talks in Geneva aimed at easing escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan signed a series of trade and transit agreements during a high-level business forum in Karachi, paving the way for expanded commercial cooperation and long-term logistics development between the two countries.
France and Poland will sign a groundbreaking treaty on Friday to deepen cooperation on defence and energy, signaling a growing alignment among European nations.
In a notable shift from traditional Republican policy, President Donald Trump has proposed raising taxes on high-income earners to help finance broader tax cuts for middle- and working-class Americans.
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