30/03/2020 (Agence Europe) – North Macedonia officially became NATO's 30th member on Friday 27 March, when it handed over its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty, to the US State Department. The country's accession protocol was signed in February 2019 (see EUROPE 12188/22). “This is a historic moment for North Macedonia. It comes after years of perseverance, determination and commitment to reform”, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the flag raising ceremony on Monday 30 March. From his viewpoint, Skopje's membership of NATO is good for the country, for the stability of the Western Balkans, and for international peace and security. “North Macedonia now has the best friends and allies in the world. We are all safer and stronger together rather than alone”, he concluded. (CG)