NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has been granted another year in office by the 31-nation military alliance. Stoltenberg expressed his gratitude for the decision in a tweet, stating, “I am honored by NATO Allies’ decision to extend my term as Secretary General until 1 October 2024.” He emphasized the importance of the transatlantic bond between Europe and North America in ensuring freedom and security in an increasingly dangerous world.
Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, has held the position of NATO’s top civilian official since 2014. His term was initially set to expire last year but was extended due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The appointment of Stoltenberg’s successor was expected to take place during a meeting of U.S. President Joe Biden and his NATO counterparts in Lithuania. However, consensus could not be reached on a new candidate.
President Biden lauded Stoltenberg’s leadership, experience, and judgment, crediting him with guiding the alliance through significant challenges in European security. He stated, “Today, our Alliance is stronger, more united and purposeful than it has ever been.” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also welcomed the news, recognizing the importance of NATO’s unity in a troubled time.
While many NATO countries expressed a desire to see a woman assume the top post, no agreement was reached on a candidate. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, ruled out her own candidacy. Other potential contenders, such as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and U.K. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, were considered but not publicly acknowledged as candidates.
This marks the fourth time that Stoltenberg’s mandate has been extended, making him the second-longest serving NATO secretary-general. Responding to questions about his willingness to continue in the role, Stoltenberg stated that he had no plans other than to fulfill his duties and complete his term in September.
NATO secretaries-general play a crucial role in chairing meetings and facilitating discussions between member countries. Their primary responsibility is to foster consensus and ensure that decisions are implemented effectively. Stoltenberg has successfully navigated challenging political landscapes, refraining from criticizing members and maintaining a unified voice for the organization.
The process of selecting a new secretary-general has become highly politicized in light of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. Poland has opposed candidates from Nordic countries, preferring someone from a Baltic state. However, other countries are cautious due to the Baltic countries’ unequivocal support for Ukraine, including its potential NATO membership.
In 2009, NATO leaders signified their preference for a government leader or president to lead the organization when they selected Anders Fogh Rasmussen as the secretary-general. This preference has made it difficult for Ben Wallace, the U.K. Defense Secretary, to be considered for the position.
Associated Press writer Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen contributed to this report.
(Source: [Huffington Post](https://apnews.com/hub/jens-stoltenberg))
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