Today we welcome two new members of NATO, the most successful alliance in history, the SACT commander, U.S. Marine Corps General James Mattis, said at the ceremony at which the two countries' flags were added to those of the other 26 members of the alliance.
General Mattis also praised Croatia and Albania for having been the best prepared candidates for NATO membership.
Croatian Defence Ministry State Secretary Pjer Simonovic said in his speech Croatia nourished feelings of gratitude, praise and responsibility towards the allies.
Simonovic said that Croatia fully understood the NATO membership responsibility and could see political, security and economic benefits of its NATO membership.
Croatia and Albania joined NATO in early April.