North Macedonia’s defense minister, Radmila Šekerinska, said she was filled with pride as her country took a seat at NATO’s table for the first time. Speaking to reporters at a meeting of NATO defense ministers, Šekerinska said North Macedonia has “shown that change is possible if you have the right amount of political leadership.” The southern Balkan country officially changed its name on Tuesday. It will be accepted as a full NATO member by the end of 2019 or early in 2020 once all NATO countries have ratified the agreement in their parliaments. Until that is completed, North Macedonia can take part in NATO meetings as a guest.