NATO Sec Gen Officially Hands Over Membership Invitation to PM Zaev

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday at an official ceremony handed over to Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev the invitation for launching negotiations with NATO after it was approved by the NATO allies at Wednesday’s summit in Brussels.  “This has been a crucial breakthrough, which has opened the path to become a full member of NATO. Detailed accession talks will begin, helping your country make its final preparations. Once all your national procedures are complete and all NATO Allies have ratified your accession, you will become the 30th member of this Alliance with a seat at our table, an equal voice in our discussions, and an equal vote in our decisions and the security that comes with being part of the world’s most successful military alliance,” the NATO chief told the ceremony after signing the invitation. Extending gratitude to Stoltenberg, PM Zaev also thanked the premiers of the neighbouring countries Greece and Bulgaria for reaching the treaties.