ISTANBUL (AP) 鈥 The Netherlands鈥 outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte was in Turkey on Friday, seeking support from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the Dutch official's bid for the position of NATO secretary general.
Incumbent NATO chief who has been NATO鈥檚 top civilian official since 2014, is nearing the end of his term. His mandate had been extended several times as the alliance needed to keep a steady hand at the helm after in February 2022.
NATO members Turkey and Hungary had earlier expressed reservations about Rutte鈥檚 candidacy. During his friday visit, Rutte spoke at a joint news conference with Erdogan.
The southern wing of NATO 鈥渘eeds Turkey and its leadership,鈥 Rutte said, describing Ankara as a very influential actor in the region and a geopolitical power.
Erdogan made no commitments on who Turkey鈥檚 would support or say what Ankara's position was.
鈥淣o one should have any doubt that we will make our decision within the framework of strategic wisdom and equity,鈥 Erdogan said.
He added that an ideal candidate for the post of NATO chief would 鈥渆nsure solidarity within the alliance and order among the allies鈥 and also 鈥減rioritize the preservation of NATO鈥檚 essential position in ensuring Euro-Atlantic security.鈥
However, at the end of the news conference, Erdogan wished Rutte success and smiled at him. The exchange also drew a smile from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
NATO officials and envoys want the nomination for Stoltenberg's successor wrapped up by the end of April, before competition for top . They are also keen to avoid having the potentially divisive issue mar the alliance鈥檚 75th anniversary summit in Washington in July.
NATO chiefs are responsible for chairing meetings and guiding sometimes delicate consultations among member countries. They also are tasked with speaking on behalf of all member nations with one voice.
