INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana National Guard, Oklahoma National Guard and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced a new partnership Nov. 15 under the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.
The enduring program pairs U.S. states and foreign nations to enhance mutual relationships and promote defense and security cooperation objectives.
“We are proud, honored and excited to join forces with Oklahoma and Saudi Arabia as we forge this new partnership and the opportunity to work alongside our neighbors to the south and overseas in the Middle East,” said Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, Indiana National Guard adjutant general. “Hoosier Guardsmen are dedicated, determined and look forward to strengthening our relationships with our Saudi Arabian partners.”
The National Guard’s experience in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and domestic and overseas operations will support U.S. diplomatic, development and security efforts to achieve shared goals.
“Oklahoma is proud to join with Indiana in this partnership with Saudi Arabia,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma. “This program helps ensure a lasting relationship that improves the capabilities of the United States for the current and future environment. Oklahoma is uniquely qualified for this partnership, and we look forward to the opportunities it brings to our Soldiers and Airmen, industry, institutions and communities.”
Saudi Arabia’s commitment is a testament to improving the lives of its people and increasing its capacity to address security threats in the region.
The State Partnership Program has built relationships around the globe for more than 30 years and now includes 105 partnerships with 115 nations.
The National Guard conducts military-to-military engagements through the program to support defense security goals and leverage whole-of-society relationships and capabilities to facilitate broader interagency and corollary engagements spanning military, government, economic and social spheres.