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South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun meets with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Nov. 10, 2026, and emphasizes that "mutual respect and trust between countries" and "the faithful implementation of agreements" are basic prerequisites for developing bilateral relations. /Courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Tuesday and stressed that "mutual respect and trust between countries" and "the faithful implementation of agreements" are basic prerequisites for developing bilateral relations.

According to South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, Cho made the remarks during talks with Sybiha on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Paris the previous day, expressing hope that all outstanding issues between the two countries would be resolved amicably. 

Cho welcomed the continued communication between the two countries' foreign ministers following their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September. Sybiha called for continued diplomatic efforts to manage and develop bilateral relations in a stable manner.

Cho also emphasized that the South Korean government remains committed to its principled position on supporting Ukraine as a responsible member of the international community. He said Seoul would continue exploring ways to provide humanitarian assistance needed by the Ukrainian people and support Ukraine's reconstruction.

Sybiha expressed gratitude for the South Korean government's support for Ukraine and said he hoped to continue close consultations with the international community, including South Korea, to achieve peace in Ukraine.

Cho's remarks are interpreted as referring to South Korea's demands for an apology, assurances against a recurrence and other measures following Ukraine's alleged breach of a confidential agreement concerning the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. Following the meeting, Sybiha wrote on social media, "I am confident that further steps will be taken toward the full normalization of bilateral relations," adding, "This is the outcome we are working to achieve."

Recently, the South Korean government took a strong diplomatic measure by withdrawing half of its embassy personnel from Ukraine. It also demanded a clear explanation, an apology and measures to prevent a recurrence from the Ukrainian side.

Meanwhile, the two ministers also exchanged in-depth views on regional developments, including the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the war in Ukraine.

                                                                                                              Lee Han-sol