The celebration of NATO’s 70th anniversary has confirmed Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s position in the alliance.
First, he received a surprising new extension as a NATO commander.
Then he came to the United States and was acclaimed by both President Donald Trump and Congress officials.
This puts Stoltenberg in a strong position when the alliance now turns 70 years.
From home
On Thursday, the 70th anniversary was celebrated with a foreign ministerial meeting in Washington.
Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide of Høyre (H) was also in attendance. She believes Stoltenberg is now “very strong” in NATO.
‘’It is a clear signal that he will receive another two years extension. He does a very solid job for the alliance. In a time that is characterised by much uncertainty, I think there are many who see the value of having an experienced general secretary who knows the players and the security policy picture well’’ said Eriksen Søreide to NTB news.
No disadvantage for Norway
‘’He has a background and an understanding of the challenges in our neighbouring areas, which is important to us, and we naturally have a very good dialogue.’’
Extended twice
Stoltenberg has led NATO since 2014. Initially, he was elected for four years. Then the period was extended by two years to 2020.
And last week came the news of another extension, now until 2022.
This makes Stoltenberg the second longest-serving secretary general in NATO’s history.
Within the alliance, the Norwegian is extraordinarily
skilled at building consensus in an alliance that in recent years has shown cracks in the joints.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
