Howdy TB

I use to hire Syrian engineers as instructors; there were noted for being well-educated if a bit rough in the English language area. They were also noted for being good workers and having a creative streak (compared to Gulf Arabs). Syria had/has an over supply of engineers and they tend to migrate for economic and political reasons - if the can. The earnings for a Syrian professional being somewhat meager. NK's would be easier to trust or to use on a project you need to keep secret. Syrians are noted for having a weakness for providing information for $, something the Isrealis have exploited on occasion.

As for North Koreans; I'd say that in the question of NK vs Syrian engineers, the NK would have more work experience in fortification, tunneling, CW, aeronautics, ballistics (rockets and missiles) and of course nuclear reactor and related construction. The Syrians would find NKs cheaper and they would also be able to work easier in Syria than Shi'a Iranians.