APIA, SAMOA – 07 JULY 2023: The Government of Samoa has joined the Nevada National Guard in a collaboration aimed to fortify the bonds between Samoa and the United States. The partnership, through the State Partnership Program, represents a significant milestone in diplomacy and cooperation between the two nations.
The collaboration was signed at the U.S. Embassy Residence yesterday, between the Nevada National Guard, Major General OndraBerry, and the Minister of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, Faualo Harry Schuster.
“I am excited and committed in signing the newest State Partnership with the State of Samoa. We stand ready to learn and develop a long lasting partnership with Samoa and are focused on a whole of Government approach,” said Major General OndraBerry.
“Whether the request is humanitarian assistance, disaster response, cyber security or non-commissioned officer development or governmental relations, the Nevada National Guard is prepared and ready to collaborate with Samoa in whatever areas of agreement make sense. On behalf of the 4700 Nevada National Guard, who are Always Ready and Always there, we look forward to working with our newest State Partner, the State of Samoa,” said Major General OndraBerry.
The U.S. Ambassador to Samoa Tom Udall stated, “Today’s signing between Samoa and the state of Nevada is a big step forward in our bilateral partnership. The State Partnership program will enable new possibilities in disaster response, humanitarian assistance, cultural exchange, and so much more.”
The State Partnership Program serves as a platform for mutual support, sharing expertise, and fostering cultural understanding. It leverages the unique defense capabilities, skills, and resources of the Nevada National Guard to contribute to the long-term development and growth of Samoa’s defense forces, emergency management, and national security sectors.
For decades, the United States and Samoa have enjoyed a robust and friendly relationship, characterized by shared values, history, and common interests. This new partnership through the State Partnership Program further strengthens this bond by bringing together the resilience, courage, and professionalism of the Nevada National Guard in assisting Samoa’s development goals.
The alignment between Nevada’s National Guard leadership and Samoa’s national security needs holds great potential for enhancing both nations’ capacity to respond to global challenges. Key areas of collaboration will include disaster response management, humanitarian assistance, cyber defense, as well as the exchange of best practices in training exercises and joint operations.
“We are excited to bring Samoa into the Nevada National Guard,” said Ben Kieckhefer, Chief of Staff to Governor Joe Lombardo. “This whole government approach will allow us to grow this new relationship looking across our respective governments and find the best ways to make impactful, long-lasting connections.”
The State Partnership Program creates a platform for both Samoa and Nevada to engage in cultural exchanges, economic collaboration, and educational opportunities. As ties deepen, this program aims to build shared understanding, promote cultural appreciation, and develop lasting friendships between the people of Samoa and the United States.
