President Klaus Iohannis said on Wednesday that he does not intend to withdraw from the race for NATO secretary general, considering that his chances are „reasonable.”

„I have no intention of withdrawing or negotiating something else. I’m focusing on NATO, and yes, there are some public statements. Moreover, I consider that my chances are reasonable,” Iohannis said at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace after meeting European Council President Charles Michel.

He was asked whether he was considering stepping down or negotiating for another EU job as some of NATO’s most influential countries have publicly said they support Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for NATO secretary general.

Iohannis and Michel on Wednesday hosted a working meeting at Cotroceni Palace devoted to the preparation of the future Strategic Agenda of the European Union, attended by the prime ministers of Belgium, Hungary and Croatia.

AGERPRES