Russia's new defense pact with North Korea shows a growing rapprochement between authoritarian powers and highlights the importance of democracies uniting in a united front, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, quoted by Reuters and News.bg.
Yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un that includes a pledge of mutual defense - a move that changes Moscow's policy towards Pyongyang.
Stoltenberg indicated that North Korea had provided "a huge amount of ammunition" of Russia, and China and Iran support with military means Moscow in its war against Ukraine.
"We must be aware that authoritarian forces are getting closer. They support each other in a way we haven't seen before," he warned at a discussion during an official visit to Ottawa.
"As they are getting closer - authoritarian regimes like North Korea and China, Iran, Russia - it is even more important to be united as countries that believe in freedom and democracy,", Stoltenberg emphasized.
He said the growing proximity between Russia and other Asian countries meant it was even more important for NATO to work with allies in the Asia-Pacific region. He pointed out that this was why leaders from Australia , Japan, New Zealand and South Korea to be invited to the Alliance summit in Washington next month.
Stoltenberg also noted that he expects Canada to meet the NATO goal of spending 2% of GDP on defense.
Canada's Liberal government, which has poured billions into welfare programs, spends just 1.37% of GDP on its military, and in April announced a plan to reach 1.76% by 2030.
Other NATO member countries "are concerned about the fiscal balance, they want to spend money on health and education", Stoltenberg explained, adding that "if we are not able to keep the peace, then that too , what we are doing on health, climate change and education will fail".