South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha discussed North Korean POWs during a phone call. Cho emphasized their status as South Korean nationals and offered support if they wish to return. The meeting also covered broader issues related to the war in Ukraine and reaffirmed commitments to humanitarian aid and international cooperation for peace.
On a recent phone call, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha addressed the situation regarding North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) captured by Ukraine. According to South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, Cho reiterated that these soldiers are constitutionally recognized as South Korean nationals and emphasized that they would receive full acceptance and necessary support should they choose to return to South Korea.
The conversation was significant as it marked the first ministerial discussion between the two nations concerning the repatriation of North Korean soldiers, which occurred after two North Korean soldiers were captured in January during conflicts in Russia’s Kursk region. The ministers also explored broader ramifications of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Cho affirmed South Korea’s commitment to monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing collaborative efforts with the international community to aid Ukraine’s postwar recovery. He reiterated support for humanitarian initiatives under the Ukraine Peace and Solidarity Initiative launched in July 2023.
In turn, Minister Sybiha thanked South Korea for its assistance and provided an update on a recent high-level meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He underscored the necessity of international cooperation, including with South Korea, to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace.
This conversation represented the first bilateral exchange between Cho and Sybiha since their prior meeting on November 25, 2024, during the Group of 7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Italy.
The dialogue between South Korean and Ukrainian foreign ministers marks a critical step in addressing the status of North Korean POWs and highlights ongoing international collaboration. South Korea’s commitment to humanitarian support for Ukraine reinforces its dedication to international peace efforts. The conversation also reflects the importance of bilateral relations in addressing wartime concerns and ensuring lasting resolutions.
Original Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
