U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday welcomed NATO’s determination to increase Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s time period by an additional 12 months, opting to stay with an skilled chief as struggle continues to rage on the alliance’s doorstep somewhat than attempt to agree on a successor.
Stoltenberg, a former prime minister of Norway, has been the transatlantic safety alliance’s chief since 2014 and his tenure had already been prolonged three earlier instances.
The determination means continuity on the prime of NATO as its 31 members grapple with the problem of supporting Ukraine in repelling Moscow’s invasion whereas avoiding a direct battle between NATO and Russian forces.
“With his steady leadership, experience, and judgment, Secretary General Stoltenberg has brought our Alliance through the most significant challenges in European security since World War II,” Biden mentioned in a press release launched by the White House.
The president mentioned the NATO alliance was at present “stronger, more united and purposeful than it has ever been.”
“I look forward to continuing the work with Secretary General Stoltenberg to further strengthen the Alliance next week at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, and ahead of the 75th Anniversary NATO Summit in Washington, D.C. next year,” Biden mentioned.
Stoltenberg, 64, is extensively seen throughout the alliance as a gradual chief and affected person consensus builder.
Stoltenberg in a tweet mentioned he was honoured by the choice to increase his time period to Oct. 1, 2024.
His subsequent duties embody overseeing a change of NATO forces to refocus on defending towards any Russian assault, after a long time wherein the alliance focused on missions past its borders, similar to in Afghanistan and the Balkans.
He may also must handle variations over how concerned NATO ought to turn out to be in Asia, with the United States pushing for a better function in countering China, whereas others similar to France insist that NATO should keep give attention to the North Atlantic space.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
