Synopsis
Syria has granted South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul full diplomatic honors during his recent visit aimed at establishing formal ties, reflecting a commitment to increased cooperation in various sectors, including economic and reconstruction efforts.Key Takeaways
- High-level diplomatic protocol accorded to Cho during visit.
- Syria aims to enhance cooperation with South Korea in economy and reconstruction.
- Cho's visit signifies a pivotal step in formal diplomatic relations.
- Syria expresses interest in adopting South Korea's economic growth model.
- Potential for a strategic partnership between the two nations.
Seoul, April 15 (NationPress) Syria accorded the highest diplomatic honors to South Korea's top diplomat during his visit last week aimed at establishing formal ties, indicating a strong dedication to enhancing cooperation in economic, reconstruction, and various other sectors, a Seoul official reported on Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul visited Damascus last Thursday to formalize the diplomatic relations, marking a significant milestone in Seoul's efforts to establish formal ties with every UN member state, aside from North Korea.
The trip by Cho was conducted discreetly, owing to the security situation in Syria, where an interim government has assumed control following the ousting of former leader Bashar al-Assad's long-standing dictatorship.
During his short visit, Cho received elevated diplomatic treatment, including security provisions that were three times greater than typically allocated for a foreign minister, according to a Seoul official.
"Minister Cho was received with full honors and was accompanied by a comprehensive security convoy from the moment he landed at the airport until we crossed into Lebanon," the official stated.
After the bilateral discussions, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani surprised Cho and his delegation by personally driving him to the presidential palace for a courtesy visit with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
"In the Arab world, it is regarded as the utmost form of hospitality for a dignitary to take the wheel and escort a guest. This was an extraordinary display of hospitality," the official noted.
Cho made his return journey via land through Lebanon before flying back home from Istanbul. He spent five hours in Damascus, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
During their discussions, Syria expressed a keen interest in adopting South Korea's model of rapid economic growth and showed a readiness to send a government delegation to Seoul soon to boost bilateral cooperation in development assistance, energy, information technology, and the reconstruction of a country ravaged by years of civil war.
Syria also expressed its desire to establish a strategic partnership with South Korea in their bilateral relations and hoped that Seoul would assist in easing international sanctions.
"This marks the first establishment of diplomatic relations for the new Syrian government," the official mentioned. "Syria considers South Korea a vital partner in its reconstruction endeavors, and both parties believe numerous opportunities exist for South Korean companies to participate."
The establishment of ties with Syria is crucial as it indicates a shift in the Arab nation's foreign policy, moving away from its traditionally closer relations with North Korea, the official highlighted.
"Both parties have a mutual understanding that the new Syria and its collaboration with South Korea will foster regional peace and stability, in contrast to the ties the Assad government maintained with North Korea," she stated.
While the two nations have yet to initiate discussions on the opening of embassies, both sides anticipate addressing this matter in the future. For the time being, the South Korean Embassy in Lebanon will serve as the mission handling Syrian affairs.
