Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has been officially appointed as the next NATO Secretary General, announced the military alliance on Wednesday.
This appointment comes at a critical moment as NATO works to enhance its own security and support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Rutte’s appointment follows Romanian President Klaus Iohannis’s recent withdrawal from the race.“It is a tremendous honor to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security,” Rutte said on X.
Rutte, 57, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by NATO allies. “Leading this organization is a responsibility I do not take lightly,” he added.
Rutte will assume his new role on October 1, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg, who has served as NATO chief for 10 years.
Stoltenberg welcomed Rutte’s appointment, praising him as a “true transatlanticist, a strong leader, and a consensus-builder.”The NATO Secretary General chairs all major committees, serves as the principal spokesperson, and leads the international staff.
Rutte will face the challenge of strengthening NATO’s security while supporting Ukraine and managing tensions with Russia amidst the ongoing conflict.
