Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has taken on the role of NATO Secretary-General, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg, who led the alliance for the past decade.

The transition occurred during a formal ceremony in Brussels, marked by a handshake and a wreath-laying at NATO headquarters. After the event, Rutte and Stoltenberg attended a meeting with ambassadors from the North Atlantic Council to formalize the new appointment. Stoltenberg expressed confidence in his successor, stating that NATO is in capable hands moving forward.

Rutte expressed his gratitude to NATO allies for placing their trust in him for the new role. "It is a big job, and I have big shoes to fill," he said.

In his first press conference, Rutte urged NATO allies to increase defense spending and highlighted the importance of ending the Ukraine conflict for European security. He also called for closer cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners due to China’s destabilizing role and support for Putin.