Russia’s capabilities in the North are a strategic challenge for NATO and the alliance needs a strong allied presence in the Arctic region, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during his visit to Canada.

“The importance of the High North for NATO and Canada is growing because we are seeing a significant build-up of Russian military power with new bases, new weapons systems,” Stoltenberg said, standing next to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Cold Lake. , Alberta.

“The geopolitical situation has changed in recent months, so the fact that we understand that Russia is a growing concern for all of us makes it timely for us to share with the Secretary General and with NATO all the things that Canada is doing through NORAD. ” Trudeau said, referring to the North American Defense Agency, which includes the US and Canada.