ISTANBUL (AP) — The Netherlands’ 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 Jens Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister who has been NATO’s 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 Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. NATO members Turkey and Hungary had earlier expressed reservations about Rutte’s candidacy. During his friday visit, Rutte spoke at a joint news conference with Erdogan. The southern wing of NATO “needs Turkey and its leadership,” Rutte said, describing Ankara as a very influential actor in the region and a geopolitical power. |
Seven injured after twoFive arrested in Taupō on Tuesday after group brawl at Richmond shopsFive arrested in Taupō on Tuesday after group brawl at Richmond shops'Large bang' forces Qantas flight down to one engineRNZ's pips are changingRussia arrests suspected attackers after mass shooting kills 93 at concertWhere Baltimore bridge investigation goes nowMalaysia considers hosting 'downsized' Commonwealth GamesWinston Peters back in the driver’s seat for coalition negotiationsUp to 300mm more rain forecast for Westland before Thursday night