Türkiye supports Dutch prime minister as new NATO secretary-general

Decision comes following Dutch Premier Mark Rutte's meeting with Turkish President Erdogan in Istanbul last week

By Tugba Altun

Türkiye informed other NATO members on Monday that it will support the candidacy of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the position of NATO secretary-general.

Ankara has announced its support for Rutte for the new NATO secretary-general position, according to Turkish officials.

The decision came following Rutte's meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul last week to seek support for the NATO secretary-general position.

Erdogan held a one-on-one meeting with Rutte at the Vahdettin Pavilion during Rutte's visit to Türkiye on April 26.

During a joint press conference, Rutte stated that NATO's southern flank needs Ankara and Türkiye's leadership.

Rutte said: "Türkiye is playing an important role in trying to end the Gaza war," adding that Ankara is also playing an important role in ending the “horrific war” in Ukraine.

*Writing by Necva Tastan

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