South Korea has established diplomatic relations with the new government of Syria.

Bashar al-Assad, who has had close relations with North Korea for a long time, was overthrown in December following an attack by groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday that it has officially established diplomatic relations with Syria's new government. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul visited Damascus on Thursday and signed a joint statement with his Syrian counterpart Esaad Hasan Sheybani, indicating the formalization of bilateral relations. The statement noted that the agreement opens the way for cooperation that had been restricted due to Syria's 'close ties with North Korea' during Bashar al-Assad's era. Assad, who has had close relations with North Korea for a long time, was overthrown in December by an attack from rebels led by HTS. During the recent talks, Cho stated that South Korea is ready to support Syria's reconstruction following more than 13 years of civil war. Cho also mentioned that South Korean businesses and humanitarian aid could be included in the reconstruction process. According to the South Korean side, Sheybani welcomed this proposal and expressed hope that it would also help ease international sanctions on Syria. With this move, South Korea now maintains diplomatic relations with 191 UN member countries, excluding only North Korea. When diplomatic relations were established with Cuba last year, the South Korean government described it as a "political and psychological blow" aimed at the North, which still largely relies on former Cold War allies. North Korean state media did not comment on the new ties established by the Seoul administration with Syria.

The Process in Syria The civil war in Syria, which has been ongoing for 13 years, resulted in the end of the Assad family's 54-year rule and the Ba'ath Party's 61-year rule following a 12-day operation by HTS and other opposition groups. After HTS took over the administration, many countries began to establish relations with the new government. In fact, the majority of the countries establishing relations still consider HTS as 'terrorists.' However, these countries are reviewing their policies. In December, US officials met with HTS leader Ahmed Hussein al-Shara - widely known by his fighter name Muhammad al-Jolani. Following the meeting, the US announced the removal of the $10 million bounty placed on Shara. Last week, the US eased some restrictions on Syria.