On Tuesday, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba held bilateral talks to discuss the potential repatriation of captured North Korean soldiers in Ukraine and support for the war-torn nation. However, they did not reach any definitive conclusions.
The meeting took place at the Foreign Ministry building in Seoul’s Jongno district, where the two ministers deliberated on key bilateral issues and regional developments. Following their initial private discussion, they continued their dialogue over an extended luncheon, addressing cooperation between their nations, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Regarding the issue of North Korean prisoners of war in Ukraine, both ministers agreed to respect the individuals’ free will and seek a resolution in line with international law and humanitarian principles.
While the South Korean government hopes for a swift repatriation of the North Korean soldiers who wish to return to South Korea, the Ukrainian side is reportedly approaching the matter cautiously, considering its connection to the broader prisoner exchange with Russia.
As a result, both parties continued their discussions based on a shared commitment to respecting the prisoners’ free will and adhering to humanitarian principles against forced repatriation.
A South Korean Foreign Ministry official noted the significance of this meeting, stating that it maintains the momentum established during the Group of Seven (G7) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in March when the two foreign ministers last met.
In a post-meeting press briefing, Minister Kuleba confirmed that they had thoroughly discussed the North Korean prisoner issue. He reportedly stated that they had reached an understanding to seek solutions in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and international law regarding the potential transfer of North Korean soldiers to South Korea.
The talks also covered additional humanitarian aid for Ukraine and the potential involvement of South Korean companies in reconstruction efforts. Minister Kuleba briefed Minister Cho on the current war situation and expressed keen interest in South Korea’s participation in rebuilding projects.
Following the meeting, Minister Kuleba told reporters that it has high expectations for the expertise that South Korea and its companies bring to the table in infrastructure, energy, and cutting-edge technology sectors.
During the talks, Minister Cho welcomed Minister Kuleba, noting that this was the first visit by a Ukrainian foreign minister to South Korea in 11 years and the first since the outbreak of the war. He commended the continued high-level exchanges between the two nations despite the challenging circumstances, which have helped maintain cooperative momentum.
Minister Kuleba expressed his pleasure at reconvening with Minister Cho in South Korea, following their bilateral discussions during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in France last March. He voiced hope that this visit would foster enhanced cooperation between the two countries across various domains.
Minister Cho affirmed that the South Korean government is closely monitoring diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution and hopes for meaningful progress in related negotiations soon. He also highlighted South Korea’s ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.
In response, Minister Kuleba conveyed his gratitude and emphasized his desire to work closely with the international community, including South Korea, to achieve peace and recovery for Ukraine.