Luns was one of the most popular Dutch politicians of the time. He served a total of eight cabinets and stayed in office nineteen years, becoming the longest-serving Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2 September 1952 until 6 July 1971. He retired from Dutch politics and became the 5th (and also longest-serving) Secretary General of NATO for 13 years from 1 October 1971 until 25 June 1984.