The 30th NATO member state North Macedonia's flag was raised outside the Alliances' HQ in Brussels on Monday after Skopje was invited to join the Alliance in the second half of 2018, the Beta news agency reported.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg witnessed the ceremony accompanied by a small group of people due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He said it was a historic moment for the country after years of its effort in reforms.“We gathered to welcome North Macedonia into NATO family by raising its flag outside our headquarters.
„Thirty flags are no flattering together as a symbol of our unity and solidarity,“ Stoltenberg said.
He added that Skopje’s membership was important for Western Balkans stability and international peace and safety.
Historic moment @NATO HQ – the flag of North Macedonia ?? was raised in a special ceremony to mark the country’s accession to #NATO.
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A warm welcome to our 3⃣0⃣th Ally!#WeAreNATO
Read more: https://t.co/Qd8q9qbxIg pic.twitter.com/joVXieBOuW
— Oana Lungescu (@NATOpress) March 30, 2020
Due to the pandemic, North Macedonia’s official watched the ceremony via video link.
Prime Minister Oliver Spasovski said the NATO membership was the most crucial success since the country’s independence.