Macedonian Prime Minister Macedonia Zoran Zaev (L) and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras sign the historic agreement on the name change, June 18, 2018. (Photo: AFP)

The deal, if ratified, will resolve a decades-old dispute concerning Macedonia's name. Under the agreement, Greece's northern neighbor will be renamed North Macedonia, a move the two countries' leaders said would be the beginning of closer, friendly relations and an example to all Balkan nations. The deal will also facilitate Macedonia’s bid to join NATO and the European Union.

Macedonian citizens will say their words on the agreement in a referendum, which is expected to be held in September or October this year. The agreement also needs to be approved by Greece’s Parliament.