Stoltenberg: Macedonia in NATO after implementation of name agreement

Macedonia will become a NATO member after implementing the name agreement with Greece. So stated the Secretary General NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, after meeting in Brussels with Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.

The Alliance's leader said he believes that at the NATO summit on 11 July and 12 July, the leaders of member states will extend an invitation to Macedonia to start membership talks.

The name agreement provides an example for others to consolidate peace and stability. I expect that at the summit in two weeks, you will be invited to membership negotiations, while after finalising the agreement, you will become NATO members. Without finalising the deal, you can't do that. NATO's door is open, don't miss this option”, Stoltenberg declared.

Macedonia's prime minister, Zoran Zaev, has called on citizens to give support to Macedonia's <x0-> European future, while speaking of the government's work in resolving conflicts with neighbouring states.

The accord with Greece opened the process for finally becoming part of NATO. Within just one year, Macedonia has achieved what no one could have predicted. The strong will to settle disputes brought us very good news. Now we have something to unite for. Let's say “po” of our future”, has expressed, among other things, Zaev expressing confidence that Macedonia will become NATO's 30th member.