Former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte set to take over as NATO's secretary general

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. One of NATO’s longest serving top officials, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, steps down on Tuesday and will hand over the office to former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Stoltenberg, NATO’s 13th secretary-general, took over in 2014.

A series of events to mark the handover will be held at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. 

Following a symbolic handshake and wreath-laying at NATO headquarters, the pair will then meet with bloc ambassadors at the North Atlantic Council for Rutte's official appointment, according to DW. 

Rutte was selected to succeed Stoltenberg earlier this year.