South Korean and Ukrainian Foreign Ministers Discuss North Korean POWs

South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha discussed the status of North Korean POWs during a phone call. Cho asserted that captured soldiers are considered South Korean nationals and expressed North Korea’s right to seek protection. The conversation included broader topics related to the war in Ukraine and cooperation for postwar recovery efforts.

On Monday afternoon, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha held a phone conversation to discuss North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) captured by Ukrainian forces. According to South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, Cho reaffirmed that these captured North Korean soldiers are constitutionally regarded as South Korean nationals. He stated that if they choose to return to South Korea, they would be welcomed and provided with necessary protections and support as stipulated by relevant laws.

During the discussion, Cho urged Ukraine to actively cooperate in addressing the situation of the POWs. Two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukraine in January while engaged in combat in Russia’s Kursk region. This conversation marks a significant moment as it is the first ministerial-level dialogue regarding the repatriation of North Korean soldiers between South Korea and Ukraine.

The two ministers also addressed broader topics concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine. Cho reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to closely monitor the situation and collaborate with the international community to support Ukraine’s postwar recovery and reconstruction efforts. He reiterated the country’s provision of humanitarian aid through the Ukraine Peace and Solidarity Initiative, which was launched in July 2023.

In response, Minister Sybiha expressed gratitude for South Korea’s support to Ukraine. He also provided insights into the outcomes of a recent high-level meeting between the United States and Ukraine held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Ukrainian minister highlighted the significance of international cooperation, including initiatives with South Korea, to attain a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.

This conversation was the first bilateral exchange between Cho and Sybiha since their previous meeting on November 25, 2024, held on the sidelines of the Group of 7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Italy.

The conversation between South Korean and Ukrainian top diplomats addressed the critical issue of North Korean POWs and illustrated the depth of diplomatic engagement between the two nations. Both ministers emphasized the importance of cooperation and continued support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict, highlighting humanitarian efforts and the need for lasting peace. This dialogue signifies a crucial step in enhancing relations and fostering a collaborative international framework.

Original Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com