Klaus Iohannis told the Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) on Thursday that he had informed NATO allies of his decision at the end of last week, as support for Rutte increased among NATO countries.

Previously, Romania was the only North Atlantic Alliance country that did not publicly support Rutte, and in March Iohannis confirmed unofficial reports that he also intended to run for the position of secretary general to replace the departing Stoltenberg.

But after Hungary and Slovakia also threw their support behind Rutte, who already had the backing of a number of key NATO members including the U.S, it became increasingly clear that he was going to win.

The election to find the next NATO Secretary General is expected at the Alliance summit in Washington in the first half of July.