South Korea and Syria Establish Formal Diplomatic Ties, Opening Door to Cooperation

By  News On Air   Apr 11, 2025

South Korea and Syria have officially established diplomatic relations, signaling a significant step in Syria’s reintegration into the global community after more than a decade of civil war.

The agreement was formalized in Damascus during a ceremony attended by South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. This move marks a major milestone for the transitional government of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Minister Cho expressed Seoul’s readiness to support Syria’s recovery efforts through business investments and humanitarian aid. "South Korea stands ready to assist Syria in rebuilding its infrastructure and economy," Cho said during the signing ceremony.

Al-Shaibani, meanwhile, welcomed the partnership and expressed hope that South Korea would advocate for the lifting of international sanctions on Syria. “We look forward to stronger international support and a fresh start for our people,” he said, according to a statement from South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The diplomatic development also delivers a setback to North Korea, which once maintained strong ties with Syria under the rule of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Experts suggest that this shift could alter long-standing regional dynamics and influence future alliances.

The newly formed ties between Seoul and Damascus reflect broader efforts by Syria’s transitional leadership to restore international relations and attract foreign investment for post-war reconstruction.