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Jen Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden this evening during a ceremony in Washington.

But what exactly does this honor consist of?

In short, the Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States.

The award is given to people who have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values ​​or security of the United States, to world peace, or to other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” the White House website states.

Other recipients of the Medal of Freedom this year include former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh.

When Biden presented the medal to Stoltenberg this evening, he said: “The NATO alliance also consists of heads of state and government.

“And one person in particular has done an exceptional job leading NATO over the last ten years.

“Much of the progress the Alliance has made is thanks to the Secretary of State. He is a man of integrity, intellectual rigor and a diplomat who works with politicians across the political spectrum.”

Addressing Mr Stoltenberg directly, Mr Biden said: “Secretary, you have led this alliance through one of the most consequential periods in its history…

“Today NATO is stronger and more dynamic than it was at the beginning.”

Stoltenberg is expected to remain as Secretary General until October after the 31 NATO countries decided to keep him in office and not choose a replacement.