Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte was selected Wednesday as the next NATO chief by members of the military alliance.
The decision comes as the war in Ukraine rages on its doorstep and uncertainty hangs over the United States' future attitude to the transatlantic alliance.
Rutte's appointment became a formality after his only rival for the post, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, announced last week that he had quit the race, having failed to gain traction.
He will take over from Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Oct. 1 after major powers – spearheaded by the United States – wrapped up his nomination ahead of a summit of NATO leaders in Washington next month.
"I warmly welcome NATO Allies' choice of Mark Rutte as my successor. Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder," Stoltenberg said on social media after NATO ambassadors approved the appointment.
"I know I am leaving NATO in good hands," he added.
The seasoned Dutch leader, whose 14-year tenure in charge of the Netherlands is set to end within weeks, is seen as a safe pair of hands capable of stewarding the 75-year-old alliance through perilous times.
While the 57-year-old faces the specter of a possible return by former U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House, Rutte will also have to grapple with the threat posed by Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Wednesday congratulated Rutte on being elected as the new secretary-general of NATO.
Erdoğan had a phone conversation with Rutte, according to a statement by the Türkiye's Communications Directorate.
He wished Rutte success in his new position, while Rutte thanked Erdoğan for his support during the phone call.
Türkiye on Wednesday congratulated Mark Rutte, the outgoing Dutch prime minister, who was named NATO's next secretary-general, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg.
"We also express our gratitude to Secretary-General Stoltenberg for his successful leadership since 2014," the country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Rutte will take over as secretary-general on Oct. 1 when Stoltenberg's term expires following 10 years at the helm of the alliance.
Türkiye, which has the second-largest army in NATO, played an important role in determining Rutt's appointment as secretary-general.
Ankara, which was appreciated for the vision it put forward in diplomacy, had carefully scrutinized the candidates, according to the Turkish language daily, Sabah.
In the end, Türkiye supported Rutte for the position for the next five-year period.
Rutte is expected to formally take charge at the NATO leaders' summit in Washington on July 9-11, which coincides with NATO's 75th anniversary.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will be present at the summit.
