A foreign policy-driven initiative overseen by the U.S. Department of Defense called the State Partnership Program (SSP) recently chose the Washington National Guard to team with Malaysia to bolster rapport with that nation, an Army release said.
The SSP, administered by the National Guard Bureau, has actively supported theater commands for more than two decades. Once the formal agreement with Malaysia is inked, the number of worldwide partnerships will total 73.
National Guard Bureau Chief Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel said in a release the SSP will enable the previously established trust with overseas allies to continue and flourish. "I know the Washington National Guard and Malaysia will both benefit from the extraordinary skills and experience each will bring to this partnership," Lengyel said.
Malaysia represents the second SSP alliance for Washington state, which has worked with Thailand since 2002. In Camp Murray, Washington, Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty echoed Lengyel’s sentiment about the new assignment.
"I am excited that the Washington National Guard was selected for this opportunity to work as the SPP partner with Malaysia," Daugherty said in the release. "We look forward to learning from one another and building a relationship that is mutually beneficial."
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