HTS-led Syria forms ties with South Korea

Syria, which was an ally of North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) under the Assad regime, has signed a diplomatic recognition agreement with South Korea under the administration of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

According to Al Jazeera, this development is seen as a significant diplomatic achievement for HTS leader Ahmed Shara, who declared himself president. It also represents a strategic blow to North Korea, which has been an ally of Syria for years.

The agreement to establish diplomatic relations was signed yesterday evening in Damascus between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hasan al-Sheybani. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Cho stated that South Korea is ready to contribute to the reconstruction of Syria with investments and humanitarian aid after 13 years of civil war.

Sheybani stated that they expect support from Seoul in easing the international sanctions on the Damascus government. This statement was also confirmed in a written statement by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It was reported that diplomatic negotiations between the two countries began in February, gained momentum with the approval of the South Korean cabinet, and were officially completed this week, according to the Yonhap news agency.

This development occurred at a time when both countries are undergoing a political transformation. In December, armed groups led by HTS overthrew the Assad regime and then formed a transitional government. South Korea is also facing a major political crisis. President Yoon Suk-yeol was removed from office last week by a decision of the Constitutional Court. In December, Yoon briefly declared martial law, claiming that “anti-state” and “North Korea-backed” elements had infiltrated the government, which drew strong reactions from the public and parliament.

The country is currently governed by an interim president, and a new leader will be determined by an early election to be held in June.