South Korea established diplomatic relations with modern Syrian jihadists.

South Korea has officially established diplomatic relations with Syria's new Islamist government, months after a rebel coalition overthrew President Bashar al-Assad.

The decision marks a significant shift in South Korean foreign policy and symbolizes the opening of a new chapter in bilateral relations, previously blocked by the close ties between Syria and North Korea.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea this Friday. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul traveled to Damascus on Thursday to sign a joint declaration with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani, thus formalizing relations between the two countries.

According to the statement issued by Seoul, the reestablishment of diplomatic ties "opens opportunities for bilateral cooperation previously hindered by Syria's close relations with North Korea."

Bashar al-Assad, overthrown in December after a lightning offensive by rebel forces, had maintained a close relationship with the North Korean regime for years, based on an alliance forged during the Cold War.

During the talks in Damascus, Minister Cho expressed South Korea's willingness to support Syria's reconstruction efforts after more than 13 years of devastating civil war. He noted that this process could involve South Korean companies in the future, as well as an increase in humanitarian assistance to the Arab country.

Meanwhile, al-Shaibani welcomed South Korea's support and expressed his hope that Seoul will also collaborate to alleviate the international sanctions imposed on Syria, many of which were imposed during Assad's regime due to human rights violations and ties with hostile actors.

This rapprochement represents a strategic move for Seoul, which seeks to expand its diplomatic presence and reduce Pyongyang's influence in regions traditionally aligned with the North.

With this new link, South Korea now keeps diplomatic relations with 191 United Nations member countries, except for its eternal rival: North Korea.

The rivalry between the two Koreas is at one of its most tense moments in years. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un continues to develop his nuclear program and has strengthened his military ties with Russia, sending weapons and possibly troops to support the war in Ukraine. This diplomatic isolation is increasingly evident for Pyongyang.

North Korean state media have not publicly reacted to the announcement of the establishment of relations between Seoul and Damascus. However, it is known that North Korea had considered Syria a key ally in the Middle East, and its fall into the hands of a more moderate Islamist government could represent a significant loss of regional support.

The new relationship with Syria follows another major diplomatic shift by South Korea in 2023, when Seoul established relations with Cuba, another historical ally of the North. At that time, the South Korean government described the rapprochement as a "political and psychological blow" to Pyongyang, highlighting its growing isolation.

In addition to the meeting with al-Shaibani, Minister Cho also met with the new Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed power after Assad's fall. Cho reiterated the intention to share South Korea's experience in economic development and reconstruction, with the aim of supporting Syria's institutional and economic revival.