The US and UK have endorsed the Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte’s candidacy to become the next secretary general of Nato, at a time when the alliance faces major challenges amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and renewed questions about the future of the US commitment to the transatlantic relationship.
“President Biden strongly endorses PM Rutte’s candidacy to be the next secretary general of Nato,” a US official told Reuters on Thursday.
A UK official said London “strongly backs” Rutte to succeed Jens Stoltenberg. “Rutte is well-respected across the alliance, has serious defence and security credentials and will ensure that the alliance remains strong and ready to defend and deter.”
Many other Nato members have signalled they would back the Dutch leader for the post, which requires unanimous support from all alliance members.
Rutte is one of Europe’s longest-serving heads of government, having been prime minister since 2010, and is considered a safe pair of hands who could be well-positioned to grapple with the challenges of Donald Trump’s possible return to the White House.
Credit: theguardian.com
