Rutte calls for more help for Ukraine as he bids farewell to Dutch government

Jul 1 () –

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has said goodbye to his post in a speech in which he called for more support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, one of the key lines of his future role as NATO secretary general.

Rutte recalled the downing of flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine by a Russian missile in the summer of 2014 and how it made him realise how “crucial” it is for the Netherlands “to be within the EU and NATO”. Most of the 298 people on the plane from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur were Dutch and all 298 people died in the incident.

The Dutch president has highlighted that just a look at the world map makes it clear that “we are stronger together than alone” and that is why he has called on the population to support Ukraine now and in the future, “so that there is peace there.” and security here.

Rutte will succeed former Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg as the new NATO Secretary General in October. He has been at the head of the Dutch government for almost 14 years, a record. He now wishes his successor, Dick Schoof, “every success.”

Schoof was the director of the General Intelligence and Security Service (AVID). He currently serves as the highest official in the Ministry of Justice and Security and, in addition to his time at AVID, he was also the national coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security, as well as director of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

He will take office next Tuesday with the support of a coalition of four parties led by the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) of Geert Wilders and which also includes the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), New Social Contract (NSC) and the Farmers-Citizens Movement (BBB).