NATO has appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to succeed Jens Stoltenberg in October as the alliance’s next secretary general, according to a statement on Wednesday. Welcoming the selection of Rutte, Stoltenberg said the Dutch prime minister was “a true trans-Atlanticist, a strong leader, and a consensus-builder.” “I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO for the challenges of today and tomorrow. I know I am leaving NATO in good hands,” he added. Stoltenberg’s term is due to end on October 1. Rutte quickly became the frontrunner to be the next NATO chief after r…