Greece and Macedonia yesterday signed a historic preliminary agreement to rename the country the Republic of North Macedonia, ending a row that has poisoned relations between the two neighbours since 1991.

"This is a brave, historic and necessary step for our people," said Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, adding, "We are here to heal the wounds of time, to open a path for peace, fraternisation and growth for our countries, the Balkans and Europe."