Al-Shaibani’s statements came during the welcome of a delegation headed by Kim Eun-jeong, general director for African and Middle Eastern Affairs at the South Korean Foreign Ministry, who expressed her country’s interest in resuming diplomatic relations with Syria, which have been suspended since 2003.

The official said Seoul is ready to provide humanitarian aid and reconstruction assistance to Syria, in addition to promoting political transition and economic recovery.

South Korea has experience in post-war reconstruction and economic growth, she noted, and added that her country will provide food and health aid, and assess emergency assistance if needed.

Kim announced that her nation will encourage its entrepreneurs to visit and participate in the Syrian market, in addition to working to ease the sanctions imposed on the Syrian people.

jg/iff/arc/fm