President Biden surprises NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Joe Biden honored NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a surprise ceremony at the NATO summit, marking the alliance's 75th anniversary. Biden praised Stoltenberg for his integrity, diplomatic skills, and leadership during times of crisis, highlighting his role in strengthening NATO amidst challenges like Russia's war in Ukraine. Stoltenberg, who extended his tenure at Biden's request, emphasized the importance of unity and vigilance in the face of global threats, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In his address at the summit, Biden announced NATO's donation of new air defense systems to Ukraine, underscoring the alliance's commitment to supporting the country's defense against Russian aggression. Stoltenberg reiterated the significance of NATO's historical roots in preventing devastating conflicts and emphasized the need to prevent Russia from prevailing in Ukraine. The summit also focused on enhancing support for Ukraine through training, assistance, and long-term pledges from NATO allies. The discussions at the summit included efforts to strengthen NATO's role in addressing challenges posed by China, as well as enhancing intelligence-sharing and cooperation to counter evolving security threats. Stoltenberg highlighted the importance of unity among NATO members in supporting Ukraine and addressing global security concerns. The summit outcomes are expected to include new commitments from allies on air defense and ammunition support for Ukraine, demonstrating NATO's ongoing relevance and solidarity in the face of complex geopolitical dynamics. President Biden is set to hold a solo news conference as part of the NATO summit, where he is likely to address key outcomes and decisions made during the gathering. The summit discussions reflect a shared commitment among NATO members to bolster collective defense, support Ukraine, and navigate complex security challenges in an increasingly uncertain global landscape. The event underscores the enduring importance of NATO as a cornerstone of transatlantic security cooperation and collective defense efforts.