NATO worried about the possibility of Russia supporting North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs - Stoltenberg

YEREVAN, JUNE 20, ARMENPRESS. Russia's new defensive pact with North Korea shows increasing alignment among authoritarian powers and underscores the importance of democracies presenting a united front, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday, Reuters reports.

“We see that, of course, in the war in Ukraine, North Korea has provided an enormous amount of ammunition. So, of course, in return, Russia is giving something to North Korea. And we are very deeply concerned about the possibility of also Russia now providing for their nuclear and missile programs,” he told a panel discussion during an official visit to Ottawa.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a deal with North Korea's Kim Jong Un that included a mutual defense pledge, a move that overhauls Moscow's policy towards Pyongyang, the report adds.

The growing closeness between Russia and other Asian nations means it is all the more important that NATO works with allies in the Asia-Pacific, he said, adding this was why leaders from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea had been invited to a NATO summit in Washington next month.

Stoltenberg also reiterated his criticism over China’s deepening relations with Russia.