DAMASCUS - Syria and South Korea signed an agreement on Thursday to establish diplomatic relations, according to a statement from Syria's foreign affairs authority.

The accord was signed in the Syrian capital by Syrian foreign affairs chief Asaad al-Shibani and visiting South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, according to the statement.

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The agreement provides for the opening of embassies and exchange of diplomatic missions between the two countries.

Syria's authorities stated the move is part of broader diplomatic efforts aimed at rebuilding the country's global standing and bolstering its international presence.