The White House has officially welcomed the announcement of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO. US National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby made the statement, highlighting the close working relationship between President Biden and Prime Minister Rutte over the past decade.
On 26 June, all 32 NATO member countries approved the appointment of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance’s next Secretary General, set to take office on 1 October, and known for his pro-Ukrainian stance.
Kirby emphasized that Biden and Rutte have collaborated on various issues, including support for Ukraine, safeguarding advanced technologies, and strengthening the transatlantic alliance. According to Kirby,
“President Biden strongly believes that Mark Rutte will make an excellent Secretary General.”
The announcement also included a tribute to outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg for his decade of service to the Alliance. Kirby noted that under Stoltenberg’s leadership, “the NATO Alliance has become larger and stronger, and Allied unity is at an all-time high.”
Stoltenberg’s tenure coincides with what Kirby described as “the most consequential period of European security since World War Two.” His leadership will culminate in next month’s 75th anniversary summit for NATO in Washington, D.C.
The leadership transition is scheduled for the fall, with Stoltenberg stepping down and Rutte assuming the role of Secretary General. Kirby expressed gratitude for Rutte’s willingness to serve in this capacity, underlining the White House’s confidence in his ability to lead the Alliance.
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