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BRUSSELS: Nato selected Tuesday to extend Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s contract by a additional year, opting to persist with an skilled chief as battle rages on the alliance’s doorstep quite 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.
Stoltenberg, 64, is broadly seen throughout the alliance as a regular chief and affected person consensus-builder.
In a tweet, Stoltenberg mentioned he was honoured by the choice to extend his term to October 1, 2024.
“The transatlantic bond between Europe and North America has ensured our freedom and security for nearly 75 years, and in a more dangerous world, our Alliance is more important than ever,” he mentioned.
His subsequent duties embody overseeing a transformation of Nato forces to refocus on defending towards any Russian assault, after many years by which the alliance targeting missions past its borders, corresponding to in Afghanistan and the Balkans.
He may even have to handle variations over how concerned Nato ought to develop into in Asia, with the United States pushing for a higher function in countering China, whereas others corresponding to France insist Nato should keep give attention to the North Atlantic space.
Diplomats and analysts give Stoltenberg excessive marks for retaining Nato collectively over Ukraine, placing a steadiness between these demanding most assist for Kyiv and others urging extra warning out of worry of sparking a world battle.
“Nato member states have decided logically enough that the best secretary general currently on the market place is the one they already have. Experience matters especially at one of the most testing times in Nato’s history,” mentioned Jamie Shea, a former senior Nato official now with the Chatham House suppose tank.
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.
Stoltenberg, 64, is broadly seen throughout the alliance as a regular chief and affected person consensus-builder.
In a tweet, Stoltenberg mentioned he was honoured by the choice to extend his term to October 1, 2024.
“The transatlantic bond between Europe and North America has ensured our freedom and security for nearly 75 years, and in a more dangerous world, our Alliance is more important than ever,” he mentioned.
His subsequent duties embody overseeing a transformation of Nato forces to refocus on defending towards any Russian assault, after many years by which the alliance targeting missions past its borders, corresponding to in Afghanistan and the Balkans.
He may even have to handle variations over how concerned Nato ought to develop into in Asia, with the United States pushing for a higher function in countering China, whereas others corresponding to France insist Nato should keep give attention to the North Atlantic space.
Diplomats and analysts give Stoltenberg excessive marks for retaining Nato collectively over Ukraine, placing a steadiness between these demanding most assist for Kyiv and others urging extra warning out of worry of sparking a world battle.
“Nato member states have decided logically enough that the best secretary general currently on the market place is the one they already have. Experience matters especially at one of the most testing times in Nato’s history,” mentioned Jamie Shea, a former senior Nato official now with the Chatham House suppose tank.
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