In a decision announced on Wednesday, the North Atlantic Council has selected Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to succeed Jens Stoltenberg as the next Secretary General of NATO.

Rutte will assume office on October 1, 2024, following the conclusion of Stoltenberg’s decade-long tenure leading the Alliance.

Mark Rutte, 57, has been the Prime Minister of the Netherlands since 2010, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in Dutch history. He has been a prominent figure in European politics, known for his pragmatism and leadership during critical times such as the Eurozone crisis and Brexit negotiations. Rutte's tenure has been marked by a commitment to liberal values, economic reform, and strengthening European unity amidst geopolitical challenges.

As Secretary General of NATO, Rutte will oversee the world's largest military alliance, which plays a crucial role in collective defense and security cooperation among its 30 member states. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment as NATO continues to navigate complex security threats, including cyber warfare, and geopolitical tensions with Russia and China. (ILKHA)