Ambassador H.E. Erzhan Kazykhonov, Kazakhstan Ambassador to the United States, thanked Arizona for its unwavering partnership during the 2018 Arizona National Guard Muster on Dec. 2, at the Kino Sports Complex here.
As one of the original State Partnership Program members, the Arizona and Kazakhstan partnership celebrated its 25 year anniversary since its establishment in 1993.
“The relationships that we form within our communities are invaluable in maintaining the political and patriotic capitol for the great citizens of the State of Arizona,” said Maj. Gen. Michael T. McGuire, the Adjutant General of the Arizona National Guard. “These partnerships transcend our borders and furthers the enduring presence our Guardsmen make on the world stage.”
During his remarks, Ambassador Kazykhonov highlighted the accomplishments and importance of the partnership between Arizona and Kazakhstan to a formation of nearly 4,000 Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen.
“Throughout these years our militaries have been working together, exchanging experience and advancing skills through mutual learning,” said Kazykhonov. “The U.S. Armed Forces have helped us to develop our Surgeon Corps, the Center for Military Medicine, and Special Forces units and most importantly, our peace keeping capabilities.”
Aside from the exchange of military capabilities, the Arizona Guard also provides mission support techniques related to disaster response, border, port and aviation security, and counter narcotics trafficking.
“These mission capabilities, not commonly found in the active duty component, make the State’s guardsman the ideal choice for this program,” McGuire said. “Our partnership with Kazakhstan has become the standard model for other State partnerships Nationwide.”