RF's deal with DPRK shows closer ties between authoritarian countries

Russia's new military pact with North Korea demonstrates the growing agreement between authoritarian states and emphasizes the importance of democracies speaking with one voice.

This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, RBC-Ukraine reports citing Reuters.

Vladimir Putin signed an agreement with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un that included a commitment to "mutual defense," which dramatically changed Moscow's policy toward Pyongyang.

According to Stoltenberg, North Korea has provided Russia with "a huge amount of ammunition," while China and Iran have supported Moscow in uniform in its war against Ukraine.

"We must realize that authoritarian states are increasingly united. They support each other in a way we have not seen before," he said at a discussion during an official visit to Ottawa.

"As they become more and more aligned - authoritarian regimes like North Korea and China, Iran, and Russia - then it's even more important that we stand united as countries that believe in freedom and democracy," he said.

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

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 20/06/2024