WASHINGTON, April 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump signed on Tuesday the U.S. instrument of ratification for Montenegro's accession to the NATO, following Senate's overwhelming approval last month, the White House said.
"Since its inception in 1949, the NATO Alliance has been central to ensuring peace and security on the European continent," White House spokesman Sean Spicer said in a statement, adding that "it is an alliance not only of shared interests but of shared values."
The move comes ahead of the meeting between Trump and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday and the NATO Leaders Meeting in Brussels later this month.
"President Trump looks forward to the May 25 NATO Leaders Meeting in Brussels and the opportunity to reaffirm those fundamental and enduring transatlantic values," Spicer said.
The United States will work to further strengthen our already strong relationship with Montenegro and looks forward to formally welcoming the country as the twenty-ninth member of the NATO Alliance, he added.
A bid for NATO membership requires approval of parliaments of all members.
