Anders Fogh Rasmussen will be Nato secretary general from August and has indicated that Lars Løkke Rasmussen will succeed as prime minister

Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen has been chosen as the next secretary general of the Nato military alliance following the weekend summit in France and Germany.

He will replace current secretary general Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, whose traditional four year term was extended to encompass the 60th anniversary celebrations of the alliance. Rasmussen will take on the post from 1 August.

At a press conference in Strasbourg a short time ago, Rasmussen said he was deeply honoured to take on the role, both on behalf of Denmark and himself.

Rasmussen highlighted the challenges facing Nato such as ‘the fight against terrorism and our important mission in Afghanistan…and I want to strengthen the cooperation between Europe and the US’.

‘As secretary general of Nato I will make a very clear outreach to the Muslim world to ensure cooperation and intensify dialogue with the Muslim world. I consider Turkey a very important ally and strategic partner and I will cooperate with them in our endeavours to ensure the best cooperation with Muslim world,’ said Rasmussen.