Extension of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's Term

NATO decided today, Tuesday, to extend the term of Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for another year, preferring to stick with an experienced leader while the war rages at the alliance's gates over trying a new replacement. Stoltenberg welcomed the decision, stating, "The link between Europe and North America across the Atlantic has guaranteed our freedom and security for 75 years, and in a more dangerous world, our alliance has become more important than ever." U.S. President Joe Biden and leaders of other alliance nations praised the decision. For his part, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called Stoltenberg's term extension "great news." This decision signifies the consolidation of stability in the alliance's leadership amid the challenges its nations face in supporting Ukraine in repelling Moscow's invasion while avoiding direct conflict between the alliance and Russian forces. Stoltenberg previously served as Prime Minister of Norway and assumed the role of Secretary General in 2014, with his term having been renewed three times before.