As confirmed by the Pentagon press secretary on Thursday, Robert Gates, the US Defense Secretary, is planning on staying at his join more at least one more year, i. e., throughout 2010.

Mr. Gates is a high-profile veteran of former President George W. Bush's Republican Administration, and he agreed to continue with his services when Democratic President Barack Obama took the Oval Office last year. The length of his tenure, however, was not specified then.

"Secretary Gates met with the president just before Christmas (2009) and gave him a commitment to stay on the job for at least another year", said spokesman Geoff Morrell.

66 year old Mr. Gates and President Obama agreed to re-look and discuss the issue later i 2010.

"For all intents and purposes their original agreement still stands: (Gates) serves at the pleasure of the president indefinitely and he is honored to do so, though he certainly looks forward to one day retiring to his family home in the Pacific Northwest", the spokesman shared.