Romanian President Klaus Iohannis indicated on Tuesday that he is interested in becoming the civilian head of NATO when Jens Stoltenberg steps down in October.
"I have decided to enter the competition for the role of secretary general of NATO," Iohannis said in a televised address, confirming longstanding speculation on his intentions for when his mandate as Romanian head of state runs out in the autumn after two terms.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who is also stepping back from national politics, is seen as the frontrunner. He has the backing of the United States.
Romania had shown itself a "pillar of stability in the region," Iohannis said. Romania was also fully backing Ukraine in its resistance to the Russian invasion, and it was also spending 2.5% of its gross domestic product on defence, above the NATO target of 2%, he said.
The Romanian army was being thoroughly modernized. "I think that it's time that Romania takes on greater responsibility. This is a legitimate aim of a state that has undergone radical change," Iohannis said.
Romanian politician Mircea Geoană currently serves as NATO deputy secretary general.
