- Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul signs the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the ROK and Syria

- The Republic of Korea has now established diplomatic relations with all 191 UN Member States

1. On Thursday, April 10, diplomatic relations were established between the Republic of Korea and the Syrian Arab Republic with the signing of the Joint Communiqué by Cho Tae-yul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, and Asaad al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic, in Damascus.

2. The establishment of diplomatic relations with Syria -- previously the only UN Member State without formal ties following the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba last year -- marks a historic milestone, as the ROK has now completed diplomatic relations with all 191 UN Member States. It also opens a new chapter for bilateral cooperation with Syria, which had long remained distant due to its close ties with North Korea.

3. Minister Cho met with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and discussed the way forward for the ROK and Syria following the signing of Joint Communiqué.

4. 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.

5. Minister Cho conveyed the ROK’s 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. Furthermore, Minister Cho announced plans to provide humanitarian assistance — including medicines, medical equipment and rice — to help address Syria’s humanitarian situation.

6. In response, Foreign Minister al-Shaibani expressed his appreciation for the ROK’s willingness to share its development experience and humanitarian assistance plans. He also underscored his hope for the ROK's support in easing sanctions on Syria and expressed his hope to continue discussions on potential avenues for the ROK's contribution to Syria's future reconstruction.

7. 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 Assad regime. He noted that if Syria continues to respond to the calls from the international community by advancing inclusive governance, taking a firm action against extremism, and eliminating chemical weapons, it will help create a conducive environment for reconstruction and sustainable economic development. He added that the ROK stands ready to play a meaningful role in supporting the new government's efforts.

8. President al-Sharaa welcomed the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of the ROK's support in Syria's pursuit of of a new beginning and expressed his hope that the two countries develop friendly and cooperative relations conducive to international peace.