By Jung Sung-ki
Staff Reporter
South Korea is pushing ahead with establishing diplomatic ties with Syria, known as one of North Korea's staunchest allies, diplomatic sources here said Monday.
The Seoul government proposed the formalization of diplomatic relations with the Middle Eastern nation in 2005, but Syria rejected the offer, citing its relationship with North Korea, which remains technically at war with South Korea.
In 2006, the then Roh Moo-hyun administration proposed establishing a consular office to which Syria was positive.
But the plan did not materialize due to domestic objections amid worsening ties between Seoul and Washington, which labeled Syria as a rogue regime, along with North Korea and Iran, among others.
``The government proposed last September that the two countries establish diplomatic ties through the South Korean Embassy in Lebanon,'' an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said, asking not to be named. ``Syria has not responded to the offer, only saying it is reviewing the matter.''
Seoul believes diplomatic ties with Syria will help protect South Korean people and properties there, as well as help resolve the North Korean nuclear issue and contribute to stability in the Middle East, said the official.
The official expected the establishment of Seoul-Damascus diplomatic ties to gain momentum following the inauguration of the Obama administration, which has expressed its willingness to have dialogue with traditional foes, such as Syria and Cuba, he added.
South Korea has diplomatic relationships with 192 nations worldwide, according to the foreign ministry. Those with which Seoul doesn't have diplomatic ties include Syria, Macedonia, Kosovo and Cuba.