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Romanian President Iohannis to run for NATO management

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said on Tuesday he has actually chosen to run for NATO's. leadership, a position for which numerous member states support. outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

In February, the United States, Britain, France and Germany. backed Rutte to be successful Jens Stoltenberg as the head of NATO,. putting him in a strong position to win the management of the. transatlantic alliance.

On Tuesday, nevertheless, Iohannis stated he will compete for the. post, arguing Eastern European states need much better representation. in Euro Atlantic management functions.

The time has come ... for our country to take on higher. responsibility within euroatlantic management structures,. Iohannis informed reporters.

I think NATO needs to renew its outlook on its objective. Eastern Europe has a valuable contribution in NATO talks and. choices. With a balanced, strong and influential. representation from this area, the Alliance will have the ability to. make the very best choices to address all member states' needs and. concerns.

NATO leaders are selected by agreement, implying all members. must grant a final decision. The alliance has 32 members. following Sweden's current accession.

Diplomats have said Rutte was the only official candidate. for the post in the behind-the-scenes contest, although some. said Iohannis' name had also been drifted in informal. discussions.

European Union and NATO state Romania has raised defence. spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product in response to. Russia's intrusion of Ukraine.

The country, which shares a 650km

(source: Reuters)