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Turkey to support Dutch PM Rutte’s NATO leadership bid

In a joint press conference, Mr Rutte emphasised that NATO’s southern flank needs Turkey and that the country has an important role to play.

• April 29, 2024
Prime Minister Mark Rutte
Mark Rutte [Photo credit: DW]

Turkey will support Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s candidature for the position of NATO secretary general, local media reported on Monday.

Mr Rutte met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara on Friday.

In a joint press conference, Mr Rutte emphasised that NATO’s southern flank needs Turkey and that the country has an important role to play.

Mr Erdoğan said the next head of NATO should continue current Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s work to lift export restrictions on the defence industry between member states.

Mr Rutte needs the approval of all 32 members of the alliance to secure the position. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis is also running.

Mr Stoltenberg’s term ends in October.  

(dpa/NAN)

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