President Joe Biden honored NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom during a surprise ceremony at the NATO summit celebrating the alliance's 75th anniversary. In his remarks, President Biden praised Stoltenberg for his integrity, intellectual rigor, and diplomatic skills that have been instrumental in advancing the goals of the alliance.
Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, has been serving as NATO secretary general since 2014. Last year, President Biden personally requested Stoltenberg to extend his tenure in light of Russia's actions in Ukraine, a decision that Stoltenberg selflessly accepted, putting his own plans on hold to continue leading NATO during a critical time.
President Biden highlighted Stoltenberg's leadership during moments of crisis, emphasizing his ability to work with leaders from diverse political backgrounds and steer the alliance towards greater strength and unity. Biden commended Stoltenberg for his unwavering dedication to NATO, noting that under his leadership, the alliance has become stronger, smarter, and more energized.
Stoltenberg's contributions to NATO are recognized as pivotal in shaping the future of security and cooperation among the billion people across Europe and North America. President Biden expressed gratitude for Stoltenberg's service and acknowledged the lasting impact of his efforts, which will benefit generations to come.
