The outgoing Prime Minister of the Netherlands, who is currently seeking to replace NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, said the military bloc’s southern wing needs Türkiye.

Speaking at a joint news conference with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul, Rutte said Türkiye is a geopolitical actor with significant influence in the region.

He also said that the country has been playing an important role in trying to end the Gaza war.

For his part, President Erdoğan said the choice of the new NATO chief would be made within the framework of strategic wisdom, and fairness with no room for doubt.

"Nobody should have any doubt that we will make our decision within the framework of strategic wisdom and fairness," Erdoğan said.

The president recently said Türkiye would support a new NATO secretary-general based on its expectations and needs.

Rutte is now seeking to replace Jens Stoltenberg as secretary-general of the 31-nation Western military alliance.

But he needs the support of every NATO member state to get the job and Hungary expressed opposition to his bid. There are currently no other publicly declared candidates.

Rutte has strong backing from Britain, Germany and the United States.