Muscat – The Ministry of Defence and the Arizona National Guard of the United States of America signed a State Partnership Programme in Muscat on Monday.

The National Guard State Partnership Programme (SPP) is designed to establish long-term relationships in which US States and their partnered nations share best practices and expertise.

The SPP is a US Department of Defence joint security cooperation programme administered by the National Guard Bureau that links a state’s National Guard with the armed forces of a partner country to build long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with US allies around the world.

The partnership programme was signed by Vice-Admiral Abdullah Khamis al Raisi, Chief of Staff of Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), and Maj Gen Kerry Muehlenbeck, Adjutant General of Arizona National Guard, in the presence of Katie Hobbs, Governor of Arizona.

During the signing ceremony, the two sides issued a joint press statement reading as follows: ‘The Sultanate of Oman has a robust and historical strategic relationship with the United States of America. The signing of the partnership programme between Oman’s Ministry of Defence and the Arizona National Guard of the United States of America today embodies this strong and advanced relationship and enhances joint cooperation in military, security and a range of strategic fields. Through this new partnership, the Sultanate of Oman and the United States of America reaffirmed historical ties between the two countries and mutual commitments to achieve shared goals and common interests.’

On the occasion, Vice-Admiral Raisi said, “The official signing ceremony of the State Partnership Programme culminates the efforts of both countries’ leaderships to enhance the long existing bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership between the two countries. It reaffirms the importance of strengthening the joint military and security efforts to reinforce common strategic and national interests of both friendly countries and paves the way for more cooperation in the field of joint defence and security in pursuance common interests and objectives.”

On his part, Maj Gen Muehlenbeck said, “This is a unique and exciting time for the State of Arizona and the Arizona National Guard. Year 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of one of the oldest State Partnership Programmes between Arizona and the Republic of Kazakhstan. With today’s signing, Arizona now also welcomes the newest State Partnership with the Sultanate of Oman. The talents and dedication of our service members make the Arizona National Guard the right choice. Together our capabilities will grow and strengthen our forces, communities and the countries we serve.”