“This is a great, historic day for all our citizens. Today, the world’s largest security alliance, NATO, has welcomed us. We sat down, shoulder to shoulder, at the same table, with our allies,” Prime Minister Zoran Zaev wrote on Facebook.

“We’re happy, and rightfully so, because we have secured lasting stability for our country. We’ve secured safety, security, and peace. Progress and development cannot be stopped now. Our contemporaries and our contemporaries’ children will live better, in a country and a region that beam with hope. Congratulations to all of us, let’s be proud,” he added.