South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha discussed North Korean POWs during a phone call. Cho emphasized these individuals are recognized as South Korean nationals and affirmed their acceptance and support if they choose to relocate. This conversation also addressed broader concerns about the war in Ukraine and reinforced South Korea’s commitment to humanitarian aid and international cooperation for peace.
On Monday afternoon, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha engaged in a telephone discussion concerning North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) captured by Ukraine, as reported by South Korea’s Foreign Ministry. During this conversation, Minister Cho reaffirmed that individuals captured are constitutionally acknowledged as South Korean nationals, offering assurances of protection and support if they choose to resettle in South Korea.
Minister Cho emphasized the necessity of Ukraine’s cooperation in resolving the situation involving the captured North Korean soldiers, who were apprehended in January during confrontations in Russia’s Kursk region. This dialogue signifies the first occasion that the repatriation of North Korean soldiers has been discussed at the ministerial level between South Korea and Ukraine.
Furthermore, the two diplomats addressed broader topics concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Cho reiterated South Korea’s commitment to actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with the global community to facilitate Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction post-war, highlighting the humanitarian aid being provided through the Ukraine Peace and Solidarity Initiative that commenced in July 2023.
In appreciation, Minister Sybiha conveyed gratitude for South Korea’s assistance. He also provided a summary of the outcomes from a recent high-level U.S.-Ukraine meeting held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Sybiha underscored the significance of international collaboration, noting that engagement with South Korea is crucial for achieving a comprehensive and enduring peace.
This recent conversation represents the first bilateral exchange between Ministers Cho and Sybiha since their prior meeting on November 25, 2024, during the Group of 7 foreign ministers’ gathering in Italy.
The recent phone conversation between South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha highlights critical discussions regarding North Korean POWs and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to humanitarian support and broader peace initiatives, marking a pivotal moment in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Original Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
