October 01, 2024 08:50 GMT
NATO: Rutte Formally Takes Over From Stoltenberg As Secretary General
NATO
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Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has formally taken over the position of NATO Secretary General from Jens Stoltenberg. The former Norwegian PM stepped down after 10 years in the role, which was extended due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In a handover presser, Rutte says he "Will work to keep the transatlantic bond in the alliance rock solid". Says "I am not worried about the outcome of the US election...I will be able to work with either of the candidates as president."
- Rutte: "We have to make sure Ukraine prevails...Ukraine is on the top of our list, as is working on collective deterrence." Says "NATO countries have to ramp up defence spending."
- The former Dutch PM comes into a role that was once seen as a relatively low-octane international position, but has now taken on critical importance for Western nations. There will be some work to do in winning over some member states, notably those in Eastern Europe that were seen as more inclined to back hawkish Romanian President Klaus Iohannis for the position as opposed to Rutte, whose Dutch gov't failed to reach the 2% of GDP on defence spending floor set by NATO during his 14 years at its helm.
- The role will also be much more involved than before, with NATO overseeing weapons transfers to Ukraine and taking over from the US.
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