Mark Rutte, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, assumes the role of NATO Secretary-General from Jens Stoltenberg, emphasizing the need for increased defence spending and stronger ties with Indo-Pacific allies.
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.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
The Kremlin on Monday expressed satisfaction with recent statements from Washington indicating that Ukraine’s NATO membership is no longer under consideration — a position that aligns closely with Russia’s long-standing stance on the issue.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio by phone, discussing the situations in Syria, Gaza, and efforts for a Ukraine ceasefire, according to diplomatic sources.
The issue of creating an external "security force" to ensure Ukraine's safety in the event of a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia was discussed during the NATO "Coalition of the Willing" defense ministers' meeting held in Brussels on April 10.
U.S. Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield has been removed from her NATO role, sources told Reuters. She served as the U.S. military representative to the NATO Military Committee and was one of the few female three-star admirals in the Navy.
Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
The World Food Programme has warned that its food supplies in Gaza have run out, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk as charity kitchens face imminent shutdown.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
The World Food Programme has warned that its food supplies in Gaza have run out, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk as charity kitchens face imminent shutdown.
Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
The World Food Programme has warned that its food supplies in Gaza have run out, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk as charity kitchens face imminent shutdown.
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