Turkey is ready to support Rutte as NATO Secretary General - Reuters

Turkey has told its allies that it will support the candidacy of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the post of the next NATO Secretary General. The term of office of the current NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expires in October 2024.

This was reported by Anadolu Agency on Monday, April 29, citing a Turkish official. The source noted that Ankara had informed other members of the bloc about its decision.

This happened after Rutte met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul last week. The Dutch prime minister said that "NATO's southern wing needs Turkey and Turkish leadership."

"Turkey plays a crucial role. The country is making efforts to resolve the situation in Gaza. At the same time, it is making efforts in this terrible war in Ukraine. In this regard, you will play an important role," Rutte said.

According to Reuters, Turkey's decision is an important step towards securing Rutte's top post. The next NATO secretary general will face the challenge of maintaining allied support for Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion while preventing any escalation that could draw the Alliance directly into a war with Moscow.

NATO makes decisions by consensus, so any candidate needs the support of all 32 allies. Earlier, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia opposed Rutte's candidacy. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis himself announced his candidacy for the post of NATO Secretary General.

Budapest said it would not support Rutte because he "called for bringing Hungary to its knees."

The United States, France, Germany, Britain and other members of the Alliance have already expressed support for Rutte's candidacy.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, France said it would support the election of Mark Rutte as the next NATO Secretary General. They emphasized that the 57-year-old politician has experience and will be able to make efforts for the collective security of the bloc.

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