The Dutch prime minister says it is a “tremendous honor” after being appointed to lead the alliance from October.
The transatlantic military alliance NATO has named Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as its next head, entrusting him with a leadership role during a critical time for European security amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Rutte’s appointment on Wednesday was a formality after his only rival for the post, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, announced last week that he had dropped out of the race, having failed to gain traction.
The ambassadors of the 32 members of the alliance made the decision at a meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
He will replace Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on October 1, NATO said in a statement.
Rutte won early support from the alliance’s key members, including the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany, after declaring his interest in the role last year.
He called it a “tremendous honor” and described NATO as a “cornerstone of our collective security” in a post on X.
It is a huge honor to be appointed Secretary General of NATO. The Alliance is and will continue to be the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organization is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I am grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me. I…
-Mark Rutte (@MinPres) June 26, 2024
Other countries, especially those in Eastern Europe, argued for the first time that the role should go to someone from their region, but ended up supporting Rutte.
Hungary raised its objections earlier this month, as Rutte agreed that the country would not be required in future to send personnel or provide funds for a new support plan for Ukraine.
Turkey also expressed opposition to Rutte’s candidacy, but relented in April.
NATO makes decisions by consensus, so Rutte, who is stepping away from Dutch politics after nearly 14 years as prime minister, could only be confirmed when all members of the alliance support him.
Stoltenberg, who led NATO for a decade, said he welcomed Rutte’s selection as his successor.
“Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus builder,” he said. “I know I am leaving NATO in good hands.”
Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, assumed leadership of the alliance in 2014, just months after Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula.
I warmly welcome #NATO Choosing allies @MinPres Mark Rutte as my successor. Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus builder. I wish you every success as we continue to strengthen NATO.
I know I am leaving NATO in good hands.
-Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) June 26, 2024
Congratulating Rutte, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was confident the new chief would keep NATO “strong and united, as we work to strengthen our collective defense and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised Rutte as a “strong and principled leader who has demonstrated his determination and vision on many occasions over the past few years.”
Rutte will face the challenge of maintaining allies’ support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion, while preventing NATO from being drawn directly into a war with Moscow.
The Kremlin said the appointment “will not change anything.” Rutte has been a harsh critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and a strong ally of Ukraine.
He will also have to face the possibility of former US President Donald Trump, who was skeptical of NATO, returning to the White House after the November elections.
Trump’s possible return unnerved NATO leaders, as the Republican questioned the US’s willingness to support other members of the alliance if they were attacked.
This story originally appeared on Aljazeera.com read the full story
