Gov. Holcomb, National Guard announce partnership with Saudi Arabia

Enhance mutual relationships and also promote defense and security cooperation

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Maj. Gen. Lyles today announced the Indiana National Guard will join a new partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program.

The National Guard's enduring program pairs American states and foreign nations to enhance mutual relationships and also promote defense and security cooperation objectives established by the United States and its partners.

“This state partnership is a vital part to fostering strategic relationships between the U.S. and our counterparts in the Middle East.” said Gov. Holcomb. “I’m pleased to be on the ground in Saudi Arabia to personally convey our support of this partnership and know this commitment will advance relations across other key areas of shared interest.” 

The National Guard's experience in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and domestic operations as well as supporting overseas operations will support the U.S. government's ongoing diplomatic, development and security efforts to achieve shared goals.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment is a testament to improving the lives of its people and increasing its capacity to address security threats within the region.

“I am proud to join forces as we forge this new partnership to advance shared mutual interests of the National Guard and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Maj. Gen. Lyles. “The National Guard will benefit from this partnership of increased readiness and shared mutual interests that promote training and will work to develop a collective partnership to improve security objectives both on the local and national scale.” 

The State Partnership Program has successfully built relationships around the globe with 96 partnerships and 106 nations for more than 30 years.

Through the partnership program, the National Guard conducts military-to-military engagements in support of defense security goals but also leverages whole-of-society relationships and capabilities to facilitate broader interagency and corollary engagements spanning military, government, economic and social spheres.

Gov. Holcomb and Maj. Gen. Lyles are in Saudi Arabia to announce this new partnership.

Gov. Holcomb and Maj. Gen. Lyles met with the Minister of Defense for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to discuss shared interests and how the partnership will benefit both the National Guard and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  

Gov. Holcomb and Maj. Gen. Lyles also met with the Chief of Defense to discuss strategy and the future of this partnership.