Seoul eyes economic reengagement and its role in Syria’s reconstruction
South Korea is moving toward establishing diplomatic relations with Syria, the only remaining UN member state with which it has no formal ties, as the government launches a full-scale review of the matter, the Foreign Ministry in Seoul announced Tuesday.
The announcement followed a visit by a South Korean government delegation, led by Kim Eun-jeong, director-general for African and Middle Eastern Affairs at the Foreign Ministry, to Damascus from Feb. 5 to 7. During the trip, the delegation met with Syrian interim government officials, including Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, as well as envoys from third countries and UN staff.
“As the Syrian interim government's willingness to establish diplomatic relations has been confirmed, we plan to move forward with a full-scale review of establishing diplomatic relations,” a senior Foreign Ministry official said on condition of anonymity during a closed-door briefing.
When South Korea expressed its intent to establish diplomatic ties, Syria responded by stating that it "welcomes and is ready for" the move.
The official stated that South Korea believes the "overall environment has become conducive to establishing diplomatic relations" but added that no specific timeline has been set for forging ties with Syria.
Last holdout among UN members
South Korea established diplomatic relations with Cuba in February 2024, leaving Syria as the only remaining country among the 193 UN member states, aside from North Korea, with which it has yet to formalize ties.
"If South Korea established diplomatic relations with Syria in the future, it would hold diplomatic significance, as it would mark the completion of its ties with all UN member states," the unnamed official said.
The official said the Syrian foreign minister "stated in a highly amicable manner that the new Syria has a desire to establish a fresh bilateral relationship with South Korea."
The interim Syrian government aims to restore and strengthen diplomatic ties with countries that severed relations or withdrew their embassies under the Assad regime.
North Korea is among them, having maintained close ties with the Assad regime after establishing diplomatic relations in 1966.
The Bashar Assad regime collapsed on December 8, 2024, ending the Assad family's 53-year rule and bringing Syria’s devastating war, which started in 2011, to a close.
The visit marks South Korea’s first official contact with the Syrian interim government and the first government delegation to Syria in 22 years, following then-Vice Minister of Information and Communication Byon Jae-il’s trip in September 2003.
The last Foreign Ministry diplomat to visit was Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Chang Man-soon in June 1992, making this the first such visit in around 33 years.
From economic cooperation to cultural exchanges
During the visit, the South Korean government delegation conveyed a message about resuming bilateral cooperation.
Until around 2010, bilateral trade between South Korea and Syria reached $1.4 billion, a significant figure. At its peak, Korean cars made up around 80 percent of Syria’s imported car market, according to the unnamed official.
Additionally, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, or KOTRA, operated an office in Damascus from 2009 to 2012.
“We highlighted the significant potential for economic cooperation between the two countries,” the official said. “Currently, Syria’s reconstruction demand is estimated at approximately $250 billion. While sanctions remain a constraint, we clearly conveyed South Korea’s interest in participating in the reconstruction market."
The Foreign Ministry in Seoul plans to coordinate with relevant ministries to facilitate visits by KOTRA and South Korean business delegations to Syria, aiming to secure an early foothold in the reconstruction market and prepare for the potential lifting of sanctions.
In response, the unnamed official said the Syrian side stated, “Syria seeks to learn from South Korea and the rest of the world to achieve prosperity and development.”
“To that end, lifting sanctions is essential, and Syria hopes South Korea will take a keen interest in this issue," the Syrian side was quoted by the unnamed official as saying.
Additionally, the interim government identified five key priority sectors -- energy, telecommunications, infrastructure including roads, education and health care -- and conveyed its hope for South Korean support.
South Korea plans to take measures to ensure its pledged assistance to Syria, including rice aid and health care.
“We are also exploring the possibility of implementing development cooperation initiatives and considering opportunities for cultural exchanges," the unnamed official said.
When asked about Syria's uncertain future, the official acknowledged concerns over Hayat Tahrir al-Sham — the de facto power in the interim government — due to its Islamist fundamentalist nature.
However, the official noted, "there is no viable alternative," aligning this view with the international community.
"If this group fails to govern, Syria could slide back into civil war. Therefore, the UN and much of the international community seek to guide and steer them toward governance in the right direction."
dagyumji@heraldcorp.com
