(MENAFN- Khaama Press)
FILE PHOTO: Netherlands' Prime Minister Mark Rutte arrives for the European Union leaders' summit in Brussels, Belgium June 23, 2022. REUTERS/Yves Herman
According to a report by Dutch national broadcaster NOS, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is poised to assume leadership of NATO following widespread support from allies, including Hungary and Slovakia. Rutte, known for his staunch support of Ukraine and criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has garnered endorsement crucial for his candidacy, Reuters reported.
Speaking alongside U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, Jens Stoltenberg, the current NATO chief, hinted at Rutte's impending appointment but stopped short of confirmation. He praised Rutte's experience and leadership qualities, anticipating a swift conclusion to the selection process.
Rutte's tenure as NATO Secretary-General will confront significant challenges, particularly in maintaining allied support for Ukraine amidst Russia's ongoing invasion, while navigating the risk of escalation that could entangle NATO in direct conflict with Moscow.
Under Rutte's leadership, the Netherlands has significantly bolstered its defense spending, surpassing NATO's 2% GDP threshold and supplying critical military equipment to Ukraine. Rutte's unwavering backing for Ukraine stems partly from Dutch outrage over the downing of flight MH17, a tragedy pinned on Russia.
Recent endorsements from Hungary and Slovakia mark crucial diplomatic victories for Rutte, clearing obstacles in his path to NATO leadership. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reversed his opposition, citing Rutte's commitment to NATO unity and Ukrainian support.
Orban's shift underscores a broader consensus among NATO members, though some reservations persist, notably from Romania, where President Klaus Iohannis remains opposed to Rutte's candidacy.
Turkey and Slovakia's endorsements further solidify Rutte's position, with Slovakia emphasizing regional security concerns, including protecting its airspace amidst escalating tensions.
Stoltenberg's decade-long stewardship of NATO has been pivotal in redefining the alliance's role from crisis management to a more robust defense posture, particularly against Russian aggression. His term concludes on October 1, coinciding with a period of heightened geopolitical tensions.
By electing Rutte, NATO bypasses the opportunity to appoint its first female Secretary-General, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, due to concerns over her perceived hawkish stance towards Russia.
Meanwhile, Rutte's imminent assumption of NATO's top post signifies a pivotal moment for the alliance, promising continuity in its response to global security challenges while navigating complex diplomatic landscapes. His leadership will likely shape NATO's future engagements and strategies in safeguarding European stability and transatlantic security partnerships.
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