Mali peacekeeping chief to replace FM Timmermans

Bert Koenders is replacing Frans Timmermans as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Government Information Service (Rijksvoorlichtingsdienst) reports that Prime Minister Mark Rutte will receive Koenders (PvdA) for a discussion on Friday. Timmermans is retiring as minister on Friday. He is becoming a member of the European Commission on the Netherlands' behalf. Since 2013 Koenders has been the Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. Between 2011 and 2013 he was the the Head of the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire. Koenders was also the Minister for Development Cooperation between 2007 and 2010.