NATO: North Macedonia’s leader inks final accession document

SKOPJE, Macedonia – North Macedonia’s President Stevo Pendarovski on Friday signed a final accession document required for the country to become the next member of NATO.

Pendarovski signed the so-called instrument of accession after Spain earlier this week became the last alliance member to ratify the former Yugoslav republic’s membership.

Following the Spanish vote, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he expected the formal accession to take place “soon” with North Macedonia becoming the 30th member of the alliance.

The country’s bid to join NATO had been held up over a long-standing dispute with neighbour Greece that was resolved two years ago, when it agreed to change its name from Macedonia to North Macedonia.