Montenegro welcomes US Senate NATO approval

FILE - In this March 15, 2017, file photo, Montenegrin sailors stand at the light frigate "Kotor" in the harbour of Bar, Montenegro. Montenegro is set to become NATO’s newest member after the Senate voted overwhelmingly March 28 to ratify the tiny Balkan nation’s entry into the alliance. Despite its size, Montenegro bears strategic importance. A former ally of Russia, the country is in the midst of a clash between the West and Moscow over influence in the Balkans. Montenegro will become the 29th member of the alliance and its admission gives NATO a contiguous border along the Adriatic coast. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) (The Associated Press)

In this Wednesday, March 15, 2017 photo, Montenegrin sailors prepare light frigate "Kotor" for sailing, in the harbour of Bar, Montenegro. Montenegro officials have welcomed U.S. Senate's decision to ratify its entry into NATO, calling it a great day for the tiny Balkan nation. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) (The Associated Press)

PODGORICA, Montenegro – Montenegro officials are welcoming the U.S. Senate's decision to ratify its entry into NATO, calling it a great step for the tiny Balkan nation.

Montenegro is set to become NATO's 29th member following the Senate's overwhelming ratification on Tuesday.

Russia strongly opposes the Western military alliance's expansion in the Balkans.

Montenegro Prime Minister Dusko Markovic said Wednesday that Montenegro never doubted U.S. support for the country.

He says Montenegro's membership in NATO will be its biggest foreign policy success since it gained independence and split from Serbia in a 2006 referendum.

Russia considers Montenegro and other western Balkan states part of its sphere of interest. Wary of Russian influence in the still-volatile region, NATO wants Montenegro to join the alliance.