NATO has appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to succeed Jens Stoltenberg in October as the alliance’s next secretary general. Welcoming the selection of Rutte, Stoltenberg said Rutte 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. Rutte, a centre-right politician who is the longest-serving prime minister in Dutch history, said his appointment was a “tremendous honour” in a post on X. Paying tribute to S…