Latvian Foreign Minister Kristianis Karins has expressed interest in becoming NATO’s next secretary general, making the race to succeed Jens Stoltenberg even tougher, Politico reported, citing Agerpres.

“Krisjanis Karins is ready to join the competition,” Karins’ spokesman said in a statement released on Sunday.

Karinš, who resigned as Latvia’s prime minister in August, can bring to the NATO leadership “his experience as a head of government, a clear understanding of the Russian threat and a strong position on Ukraine, and he also has a proven track record.” reaching an international consensus.” indicates the same communication.

Currently, the head of the executive power of Estonia Kaia Kallas and the prime minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte have expressed interest in the head of NATO.

Jens Stoltenberg’s mandate has already been extended four times in the context of the war in Ukraine, the largest military conflict in Europe since the end of World War II. Stoltenberg’s term of office ended in October 2024.

In August, Stoltenberg said that he did not intend to remain at the head of NATO beyond this term.

The post of NATO secretary general must be approved by all 31 member states of the organization, but the support of the United States, the country with the largest military contribution to the North Atlantic alliance, is important.