18/06/2024 (Agence Europe) – The day after a meeting in Brussels (see EUROPE 13433/24), Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán gave his support to Mark Rutte’s candidacy for the post of NATO Secretary General on Tuesday 18 June. In a letter, Mr Rutte undertook to respect Hungary’s non-participation in the Alliance’s efforts towards Ukraine. “In a possible future as NATO Secretary General, I will fully support this outcome of the talks between Jens Stoltenberg and you”, Mr Rutte promised Mr Orbán. “In light of his pledge, Hungary is ready to support PM Rutte’s bid for NATO Secretary-General”, announced Mr Orbán on X. In his letter, Mr Rutte also pledged that, as Secretary General, he would treat “all Allies with the same level of understanding and respect”. (CG)