The United States congratulates NATO Secretary General Rasmussen on the extension of his mandate for a fifth year. This is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his outstanding leadership and tireless commitment to sustaining and strengthening the Alliance. He also has overseen the development of a new Strategic Concept and a bold plan of action to ensure we have the tools required to confront a changing and uncertain landscape. We look forward to continuing to work with him in the years to come.