Who will be the new head of NATO? Mark Rutte Seeks Recep Erdogan's Support

Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited Turkey seeking Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's support for the bid him for the post of Secretary General of NATO, the Associated Press reported.

The mandate of current NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who held the position since 2014, is expiring.

His term has been extended several times because, among other things, he had to stay on as head of NATO after Russia's attack on Ukraine in February 2022.

NATO members Turkey and Hungary have previously expressed reservations about Rutte's candidacy.

During today's visit, the Dutch Prime Minister spoke at a joint press conference with Erdogan.

NATO's southern wing "needs Turkey and its leadership," he said, describing Ankara as a very influential player in the region and a geopolitical power.

Erdogan has not committed to whom and whether Turkey will support Rutte.

"No one should doubt that we will make a decision within the framework of strategic wisdom and justice," Erdogan commented.

He added that the ideal candidate for the post of NATO Secretary General should "ensure solidarity within the alliance and order among allies". and "give priority to maintaining NATO's essential position in guaranteeing Euro-Atlantic security".