On 1 October, Mark Rutte took office as the new Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) at a ceremony in Brussels. 

The former Dutch Prime Minister takes over from Jens Stoltenberg after the end of his ten-year tenure at the helm of the Alliance. 

Welkom, Mark! 💙 pic.twitter.com/u1OHZG54W2

— NATO (@NATO) October 1, 2024

“A strong transatlantic bond is the foundation of our Alliance, and I will do my utmost to ensure that it will stay rock solid,” said Rutte. 

“Our priorities are to make sure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent and democratic nation; to increase our collective defence; and to build on NATO’s partnerships around the globe. 

“One thing will not change, and that is NATO’s core mission: to make sure we defend our people, our nations and our values.” 

Deeply honoured to succeed @jensstoltenberg as Secretary General of #NATO – the most successful political-military Alliance in history.

I thank the 32 Allies for their confidence and I am excited to get started. pic.twitter.com/bCZX7KxEYs

— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) October 1, 2024

At the #NATOSummit in Washington, Allies set a clear course towards a safer world for the 1bn people we serve.

It is my job to ensure that we collectively implement these decisions. All 32 Allies have their unique role to play.

There is nothing we cannot achieve together. pic.twitter.com/7PPsXl5wuj

— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) October 1, 2024

Rutte was confirmed as Stoltenberg’s successor in June by the North Atlantic Council after he received support by all 32 NATO allies. 

Representing ALDE Party member VVD in the Netherlands, Rutte has presided over four Dutch governments since being originally appointed as Prime Minister in 2010, leaving his post earlier this year. 

“Mark has the perfect background to become a great Secretary General. He knows how to make compromises and create consensus, and these are skills that are very much values here at NATO. NATO will be in safe hands with Mark at the helm,” said Stoltenberg. 

Today #MarkRutte starts as the new Secretary General of NATO.

I am extremely happy that Rutte is taking this important position. NATO faces major challenges and Rutte is the right person to take them on and lead the alliance.

A united, strong #NATO is crucial for our security. pic.twitter.com/rt0twUVMqI

— Malik Azmani (@MalikAzmani) October 1, 2024

Congratulations Mark Rutte on taking up the post of @SecGenNATO!

Deep EU – @NATO cooperation is vital in our evolving global environment. Your leadership comes at a crucial time for transatlantic security. I am confident you are just the right person to navigate this challenge… pic.twitter.com/s1x41Sk0J4

— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) October 1, 2024

I congratulate Mark Rutte on his official assumption of the post of @NATO Secretary General. As the Prime Minister of Netherlands, he has made a significant contribution to supporting #Ukraine and proved himself a reliable friend of our country. I wish him all the success! https://t.co/hhEq97oU9E

— Olena Shuliak (@OlenaShuliak) October 1, 2024

Ich freue mich, dass mit Mark #Rutte @SecGenNATO heute ein erfahrener Staatsmann das Amt des #NATO-Generalsekretärs übernimmt, der gezeigt hat, dass er auch mit schwierigen Partnern umgehen und Interessen ausgleichen kann. Nie war das Verteidigungsbündnis wichtiger als heute. pic.twitter.com/deAf4k5T11

— Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (@MAStrackZi) October 1, 2024

Today, Mark Rutte becomes the new @NATO Secretary General. He takes over at a pivotal moment for the alliance, with the need to both strengthen our collective defense and do all we can to support Ukraine. He has the skill and experience needed to guide NATO through these… pic.twitter.com/e6srvoUc2p

— Anders Fogh Rasmussen (@AndersFoghR) October 1, 2024

Dear Mark, congratulations and welcome to Brussels!

I look forward to our close cooperation in safeguarding security and freedom throughout the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond. @SecGenNATO @eu_eeas pic.twitter.com/etz7uXRfU8

— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) October 1, 2024

Thank you @jensstoltenberg for 10 years of exceptional leadership at the head of #NATO.

In an unstable context, this is a time for unity: a strong NATO is essential to preserve our security and prosperity.

Congratulations to @markrutte on taking office! pic.twitter.com/fyfYmuo9fd

— Hadja Lahbib (@hadjalahbib) October 1, 2024