Jens Stoltenberg remains head of NATO

BRUSSELS — Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s secretary general, finally gave in. After announcing he would step down in September, he backtracked on Tuesday and said he had agreed to extend his term for another year, until October 2024.

In a twitter postMr. Stoltenberg confirmed what seemed inevitable by saying: “Honored by the decision of #NATO allies to extend my term as Secretary General until October 1, 2024.”

Its renewal removes a controversial issue from the agenda of the annual NATO summit, scheduled for next week in Vilnius, Lithuania. The meeting is designed to show transatlantic unity and solidarity in support of Ukraine as it fights against the Russian invasion.

The Biden administration has not been enthusiastic about other candidates for the job as the war in Ukraine still rages, and France and other members of the European Union have made it clear that they do not would not accept a non-European figure in the role, such as the British Defense Secretary, Ben Wallace.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen traveled to Washington last month to meet President Biden and US officials, but later said she was no longer a candidate for the job of Secretary General of the NATO and that it would support Mr. Stoltenberg if he were prepared to extend his mandate.

Mr Stoltenberg, 64, a former Norwegian prime minister, has held the post since 2014 and has had his tenure extended three times. He has earned the trust of his allies, especially Washington, thanks to his calm demeanor, his public humility and his ability to handle the demands of what now has 31 member states in an organization that operates by consensus.

He was particularly praised for his ability to work with former President Donald J. Trump, whose contempt for NATO was often displayed.

Mr Stoltenberg is now expected to chair his final summit in Washington next year, which will also mark NATO’s 75th anniversary. That is, unless he is asked again to extend his term.