Jens Stoltenberg will leave his post in October 2024, he told CNN.

Jens StoltenbergPhoto: snapshot-photography/F Boillot / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

He was due to step down this year, but due to the war, the alliance extended his term by another 12 months, giving the experienced leader a total of 10 years in office.

Asked if this year was indeed his last extension, the former Norwegian prime minister said: “Yes, it is the last extension.”

“It is a privilege to be the Secretary General of NATO, and it is extremely important, especially now that there is total war in Europe,” Stoltenberg added.

The 64-year-old NATO leader continued: “We need Europe and North America to be united, and being Secretary General to help make that happen has been a great privilege indeed.”