O The Turkish Foreign Ministry’s announcement came three days after a meeting in Istanbul between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Rutte.
Immediately after that meeting, Erdogan did not reveal Turkey’s choice, but stressed that his decision would be based on rational arguments, while, smiling, he wished Rutte success on his “new journey”.
Mark Rutte, 57 years old, is considered the main favorite to assume leadership of the Alliance, in an electoral race in which he will face Romanian president, Klaus Iohannis.
Several countries — France, United States, United Kingdom, Germany — have already expressed their support for the outgoing leader of the Dutch Government.
However, Hungary, governed by ultra-conservative Viktor Orbán, who maintains close relations with Russia, opposes Rutte’s candidacy and voices have been raised in favor of a candidacy from the Alliance’s eastern flank.
The decision by the NATO leadership, which is expected to be announced at a summit scheduled for July in Washington, will be taken by consensus among member states.
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Source: https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/2550348/turquia-apoia-candidatura-de-mark-rutte-a-lideranca-da-nato
