Cho Tae-yeol Talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister... Requests Cooperation on Repatriation of North Korean Military Prisoners

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the afternoon of the 17th that Minister Cho Tae-yeol had a phone conversation with Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss current issues including the repatriation of North Korean military prisoners of war.

On November 25 last year (local time), during the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Fiuggi, Italy, Minister Cho Tae-yeol and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Syvokha are shaking hands at the Korea-Ukraine Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Photo by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

During the call, Minister Cho emphasized the South Korean government's position that the North Korean soldiers captured by the Ukrainian military are constitutionally our citizens, and that if they wish to go to South Korea, all will be accepted based on fundamental principles and relevant laws, and that necessary protection and support will be provided. He also requested active cooperation from the Ukrainian government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained.

Furthermore, the two foreign ministers exchanged views on South Korea's support for Ukraine and the status of ceasefire negotiations. Minister Cho stated, "We are paying close attention to efforts for a ceasefire and monitoring related developments," adding, "We will work together with the international community for Ukraine's swift peace restoration and reconstruction."

Minister Cho also added that, based on the 'Ukraine Peace Solidarity Initiative' launched in July 2023, support for the needs of the Ukrainian people will continue.

In response, Minister Sybiha expressed gratitude for the South Korean government's support and reportedly conveyed the outcomes of the recent high-level meeting between the United States and Ukraine held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.