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South Korea and Ukraine discussed steps toward the “full normalization” of bilateral relations after a dispute over Kyiv’s disclosure that two North Korean prisoners of war had been transferred to Seoul, Yonhap News Agency reported Wednesday.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met Tuesday on the sidelines of the Group of Seven foreign ministers’ meeting in Paris, marking their first in-person talks since tensions emerged in September.
“While Minister Cho stressed mutual respect and trust, and the faithful implementation of bilateral agreements as basic prerequisites for the development of relations between the two countries, he expressed hope that pending issues between the countries will be smoothly resolved,” Yonhap quoted South Korea’s Foreign Ministry as saying.
Seoul has called for an apology and measures to prevent a recurrence over the disclosure involving the North Korean prisoners.
Cho said South Korea would continue exploring ways to provide humanitarian assistance and support Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Sybiha called for joint diplomatic efforts to keep relations stable and strengthen bilateral cooperation, according to the ministry.
In a post on U.S. social media platform X, Sybiha said further steps were ahead toward the “full normalization” of relations and reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to build a “dynamic and pragmatic” partnership with Seoul.
He also thanked South Korea for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and renewed an invitation for Cho to visit Ukraine.
The ministers also discussed regional issues, including developments on the Korean Peninsula.
Ties deteriorated after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed during an address to the U.N. General Assembly in September that two North Korean prisoners of war had been transferred to Seoul.
Following the disclosure, South Korea recalled its ambassador to Ukraine and withdrew about half of the staff from its embassy last month.
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