Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte is virtually assured of the top job at Nato now that Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán has agreed to back him.

Hungary and Romania were the only two countries standing in the way of Rutte to take over from Jens Stoltenberg, after Slovakia gave its blessing to the appointment on Monday evening.

Rutte and Orbán met for an “open conversation” that “focused on the future” on Monday evening and on Tuesday afternoon, Orbán said in a social media post that “Hungary is ready to support PM Rutte’s bid for Nato secretary-general.

Following the recent European elections, where Hungarians voted in huge numbers in favour of #peace, we reached an important agreement with #NATO Secretary General @jensstoltenberg . We agreed that no Hungarian personnel will take part in the activities of NATO in Ukraine and no… pic.twitter.com/Cliu4rZGCE

— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) June 18, 2024

Orbán said earlier this month that he had two main conditions for backing Rutte, the first a matter of honour, the second a military claim.

In terms of military conditions, Orbán said Hungary cannot support a Nato secretary general who advocates making military action outside the alliance compulsory.

“We would like to conclude an agreement that we will not participate in Nato operations against the Russians in Ukraine, even if we are Nato members,” Orbán told a Hungarian news magazine.

Stoltenberg has since given Hungary that assurance and Rutte has now said he will uphold it.

“After yesterday’s meeting in Brussels, PM Mark Rutte confirmed that he fully supports this deal and will continue to do so, should he become the next secretary general of Nato. In light of his pledge, Hungary is ready to support PM Rutte’s bid, Orban said.

In addition, Orbán said that Rutte “also assured me that his aim as Nato secretary general will be to treat all allies with the same level of understanding and respect.”

Orbán was angry about comments made by Rutte in 2021 when referring to new anti-LGBTI legislation in Hungary.