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)