NATO Summit Joint Statement "Great Concern Over Strengthening of North Korea-Russia Military Cooperation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Leaders of NATO member countries expressed concern on the 10th (local time) about the strengthening of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

Gathered in Washington DC to mark NATO's 75th anniversary, the NATO leaders stated in a joint declaration that "We strongly condemn North Korea's export of shells and ballistic missiles to Russia, which violates multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, and we are deeply concerned about the deepening relationship between North Korea and Russia."

The leaders condemned that "North Korea and Iran are supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine through direct military assistance such as ammunition and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)," adding that "such actions seriously impact European and Atlantic security and undermine the international non-proliferation regime." They also warned that Iran's transfer of ballistic missile-related technology to Russia is a "significant act of escalation."

The leaders defined China as a "decisive enabler" of Russia's war in Ukraine and pointed out that due to China's support, the threat Russia poses to its neighbors and to European and Atlantic security has increased. Accordingly, the leaders called on China to stop transferring dual-use items such as weapon components, equipment, and raw materials that Russia could use in its defense industry.

The leaders also assessed that China's ambitions and coercive policies continue to challenge NATO's interests, security, and values. They urged China, which is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, to engage in dialogue to reduce nuclear risks and to act responsibly in space and cyberspace.

On the 11th, NATO leaders will hold a joint meeting with leaders from South Korea, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the European Union (EU). The NATO leaders revealed that they will discuss common security challenges and areas of cooperation such as support for Ukraine and cyber defense at this meeting. The leaders stated, "Given that developments in the Indo-Pacific region have a direct impact on European and Atlantic security, the Indo-Pacific is important to NATO."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.