The North Korea NATO summit dispute intensified on Saturday after Pyongyang condemned the recent NATO gathering, accusing the United States and its allies of expanding military blocs and increasing defence cooperation. North Korea argued that the alliance’s actions threaten regional peace and deepen geopolitical divisions.
In a statement carried by state-run KCNA, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry criticised NATO leaders for describing Pyongyang’s military activities as a security threat. The ministry insisted that the country’s defence measures represent its legitimate sovereign rights and accused the alliance of promoting confrontation instead of dialogue.
The statement also criticised NATO’s decision to strengthen military cooperation with partners in the Asia-Pacific region while increasing defence spending. Pyongyang claimed these moves reflected a strategy focused on bloc politics rather than regional stability and peaceful cooperation.
During the NATO summit held in Türkiye earlier this week, alliance members announced more than $50 billion in military procurement and industrial agreements. The announcements came as European allies continued facing pressure from US President Donald Trump to increase their defence contributions within the alliance.
North Korea also referred to remarks by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who expressed hope for broader cooperation with NATO partners in advanced technologies, defence research and the production of modern weapons systems. Pyongyang viewed those plans as contributing to growing military tensions in the region.
The Foreign Ministry further stated that denuclearisation efforts should first address what it described as nuclear ambitions among US allies, including NATO members participating in nuclear-sharing arrangements, as well as South Korea and Japan under the US security umbrella. North Korea reiterated that it no longer considers unilateral denuclearisation an option.
The North Korea NATO summit criticism comes as Pyongyang continues strengthening its military capabilities. State media recently reported that leader Kim Jong Un had ordered further expansion and modernisation of the country’s nuclear forces, saying the measures are necessary to safeguard national sovereignty and regional security.
