Skopje, 4 April 2023 (MIA) — Finland is the newest NATO member, a landmark moment and an important step forward in further strengthening transatlantic stability, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani said in a Facebook post welcoming Finland's joining the Alliance.

"North Macedonia, which is handing over the title of 'newest NATO member state' to our new ally, Finland, remains a strong supporter of NATO's Open Door policy," Minister Osmani wrote.

"In today's complex security architecture, this step is a strong confirmation of the allies' unity and a significant contribution to overall transatlantic security," he wrote, adding that he was looking forward to Sweden, too, becoming a member state before the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Osmani confirmed the country's strong political and practical support for Ukraine, which is the focus of the NATO – Ukraine Commission discussions that the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba is taking part in.

Finland was admitted to NATO at the Alliance's foreign ministerial meeting in Brussels, which was also attended by Osmani. mr/