NATO appoints Mark Rutte alliance's next boss

NATO allies appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as its next secretary general. The alliance's soon-to-be former head hailed his successor as a "true transatlanticist, strong leader and consensus-builder."

NATO allies on Wednesday selected outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the alliance's top job, as members and NATO itself continue to face the repercussions of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

Rutte's appointment became set for the secretary general seat last week when his only rival for the post, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, stepped out of the running.

Rutte is due to take over from current secretary general, Norway's Jens Stoltenberg, on October 1. Stoltenberg, who served at the top job for over a decade, hailed Rutte as a "true transatlanticist, strong leader and consensus-builder."

"I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO for the challenges of today and tomorrow. I know I am leaving NATO in good hands," he added. 

NATO ambassadors sealed Rutte's appointments during the Wednesday meeting at the headquarters in Brussels. The new boss shall be formally welcomed at a summit in Washington on July 9-11.