Inside the Nato headquarters in Brussels, the outgoing Secretary-General has now handed over the organization's traditional chairman's club - a gift from Iceland to Nato in 1960.
I am firmly determined to prepare Nato for future challenges, promises Rutte in his first words as new chief.
And he promises directly three priorities: to keep Nato strong, to increase support to Ukraine and bring the country closer to Nato, and to strengthen cooperation with partner countries and organizations, such as the EU.
There will be no lasting security in Europe without a strong and independent Ukraine, emphasizes Rutte.
We must do our part. We must deliver on the package we promised at the summit in Washington (last summer). Ukraine's rightful place is in Nato, says the new Secretary-General.
At the same time, both he and the outgoing Secretary-General cast worried glances towards the Middle East.
Of course, we closely follow what is happening in Lebanon. Nato has no role of its own there, says Rutte.
We are naturally very worried. We support the efforts of Nato member countries working to de-escalate the situation, says Stoltenberg.
