North Macedonia's defence minister, Radmila Sekerinska, says she's filled with pride as her country takes a seat at NATO's table for the first time.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday at a meeting of NATO defence ministers, Sekerinska said North Macedonia has "shown that change is possible if you have the right amount of political leadership".

NATO allies signed a key text this month that launched the country's membership process.

The small Balkans country changed its name from Macedonia on Tuesday.

It will be accepted as a full member late this year or early in 2020 once parliaments have endorsed the text. Until then, it can take part in NATO meetings as a guest.

Greece had blocked membership because it saw the previous name as a threat to its own Macedonia region.