Georgia’s President extends congratulations to Mark Rutte, newly elected NATO chief

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili on Wednesday congratulated Mark Rutte on his election as NATO Secretary General, emphasizing the role he could play in safeguarding democracy and freedom during current challenging times.

“In these crucial and turbulent times, your role will be essential for preserving democracy and freedom, while helping to restore lasting peace”, she tweeted. 

The North Atlantic Council, NATO’s highest political body, has officially endorsed Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next NATO Secretary General. Rutte will succeed Jens Stoltenberg from October, who has held the position since 2014.