On October 1, former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte officially took office as NATO Secretary General, replacing Jens Stoltenberg, Hromadske reports.
This was reported by the NATO press service.
On this historic day, we say goodbye to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and welcome the new one, Mark Rutte, – the statement said.
Speaking to journalists at the ceremony, Stoltenberg said that “Rutte knows NATO well, and the Alliance knows him well”. According to Stoltenberg, his successor has “the perfect background” to become Secretary General.
Mark, NATO will be in good hands with you. It will be easier for me to leave knowing that you will take over as NATO Secretary General. I have to admit that I am leaving with mixed feelings – it is hard to leave the Alliance that I have served for 10 years. All the people, the nations I have worked with – I will miss it. But I leave knowing that we have achieved a lot together, – said Stoltenberg.
Rutte, in turn, thanked Stoltenberg for his leadership in “turbulent times”.
We both believe that a strong transatlantic bond is the foundation for our Alliance. I can assure you that I will do everything I can to keep it strong, – he said.
Rutte noted that among his priorities will be support for Ukraine, increased collective security, etc.
