NATO extends Stoltenberg’s mandate in move welcomed by Ukraine

NATO has decided to extend Secretar-General Jens Stoltenberg’s contract by another year, seeking to stick with an experienced leader to lead the military alliance, amid Russia’s raging war in Ukraine.

The NATO chief, a former prime minister of Norway, has led the alliance since 2014. His current term in office was due to expire on October 1. He has already had his tenure extended three previous times.

The news of his latest extension comes a week before the alliance’s annual summit, which is due to take place in Vilnius, Lithuania, this year.

Stoltenberg welcomed the NATO members’ decision in a tweet, writing, “The transatlantic bond between Europe & North America has ensured our freedom & security for nearly 75 years, and in a more dangerous world, our Alliance is more important than ever.”

Honoured by #NATO Allies' decision to extend my term as Secretary General until 1 October 2024. The transatlantic bond between Europe & North America has ensured our freedom & security for nearly 75 years, and in a more dangerous world, our Alliance is more important than ever.

— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) July 4, 2023

The 64-year-old is viewed by his supporters as a reliable figure who has played a key role in building consensus across the alliance.

US President Joe Biden said in a statement that Stoltenberg’s “steady leadership, experience and judgement” has helped the alliance wade through some of the most “significant challenges in European security since World War II”.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed the news, saying “NATO has evolved to meet new threats, continued to protect our people and has been steadfast in support of Ukraine.”

Under @jensstoltenberg’s leadership, NATO has evolved to meet new threats, continued to protect our people and has been steadfast in support of Ukraine.

Looking forward to continuing that work together, Jens. https://t.co/xXrdpH9HFc

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 4, 2023

Meanwhile, Ukraine, which hopes to join the alliance, said the Norwegian’s support has been important.

“Excellent news … Tough times demand strong leadership. Jens Stoltenberg has demonstrated just that. I look forward to furthering our cooperation,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter.

Excellent news on the extension of @JensStoltenberg's mandate as NATO Secretary General. Tough times demand strong leadership. Jens Stoltenberg has demonstrated just that. I look forward to furthering our cooperation.

— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) July 4, 2023

Stoltenberg will continue his tenure until October 1 next year.

His next tasks include overseeing the transformation of NATO forces to refocus on defending against any possible Russian attack, and concentrating on missions beyond its borders, such as in Afghanistan, the Balkans and the South China Sea.