North Macedonia becomes 30th member of NATO

By Talha Ozturk,

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - North Macedonia on Friday became the 30th member of NATO, said the alliance's secretary-general.


Jens Stoltenberg said that all formal processes have been completed for North Macedonia to be the newest member of the block.

"North Macedonia is now part of the NATO family, a family of thirty nations and almost one billion people. A family based on the certainty that, no matter what challenges we face, we are all stronger and safer together," said Stoltenberg in Brussels.

He added that North Macedonia is a long-standing contributor to Euro-Atlantic security by participating in NATO-led missions in Afghanistan and in Kosovo.

Kosovo's President Hashim Thaci congratulated North Macedonia for its membership.

"This is an important movement for the security and stability of the region. Kosovo will follow the example and continue working for NATO membership to give its contribution in global security," said Thaci.

A flag-raising ceremony for North Macedonia will take place at NATO Headquarters on March 30.

The accession protocol between NATO and North Macedonia was signed on February 6, 2019.