Sweden wants to see Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, as NATO's next Secretary General, the government writes in a press release. Jens Stoltenberg's mandate expires on October 1, and the decision on a successor is made by consensus.

– Mark Rutte is a wise leader with solid experience. In a time marked by increased uncertainty and a deteriorating security policy situation, a strong NATO is needed that, through deterrence and defense, contributes to the security of all allies, and to promoting peace and freedom, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) in the press release.

Estonia's Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, has been one of the frontrunners but withdrew on April 2 by officially giving her and Estonia's support to her Dutch colleague.

- Mark Rutte is known as a reliable leader with broad trust from north to south. NATO's unity is a strength for the alliance, says Minister of Energy and Business Ebba Busch.

- Europe is in a security policy turning point. A united NATO with strong leadership is central to meeting the challenges and threats of our time, says Minister of Employment and Integration Johan Pehrson.