President Erdogan Congratulates Mark Rutte on Election as NATO Secretary-General

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has extended his congratulations to Mark Rutte on his election as the new secretary-general of NATO. This announcement was made following a phone conversation between the two leaders on Wednesday, as reported by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate.

In their conversation, President Erdogan wished Rutte success in his new role, while Rutte expressed his gratitude for Erdogan’s support.

Addressing reporters after a parliamentary group meeting of his Justice and Development (AK) Party in Ankara, Erdogan confirmed that he had congratulated Rutte during their phone call. He also mentioned plans for a future meeting with Rutte in Washington, with Rutte expressing a desire to visit Türkiye prior to their meeting in the United States.

NATO allies officially announced the selection of outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the military alliance’s next secretary-general on Wednesday. Rutte is set to take office on October 1, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg, who will conclude his 10-year tenure as NATO’s 14th secretary-general.