Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte officially assumed office as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) secretary general on Tuesday, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg, who stepped down after a decade in the role.

During a special session of the NATO council in Brussels, Stoltenberg formally handed over to Rutte, marked by the ceremonial passing of a historic gavel.

"It is a great honor to be here and to take up the position of NATO secretary general," Rutte said, thanking member states for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the alliance.

Rutte outlined three priorities for NATO under his leadership: keeping NATO strong and ensuring its defenses remain effective and credible, increasing support for Ukraine and bringing it closer to NATO, and strengthening partnerships.

NATO decided to appoint Rutte as the next secretary general on June 26. 

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