LISBON, Portugal (WSIL) — The Illinois National Guard and the Ministry of National Defense of Portugal have formed a new State Partnership, marking a key development in military cooperation.
“This State Partnership Program gives the United States and Portugal another practical mechanism to turn our shared interests into concrete outcomes,” said U.S. Ambassador to Portugal John Arrigo.
Gen. José Nunes da Fonseca, Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Armed Forces, emphasized the partnership’s importance for promoting cooperation and security.
“We are confident this is a significant step forward,” Fonseca said. “It represents a commitment by two allied nations that share responsibilities in promoting cooperation, collective security and international stability.”
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd highlighted the complexities facing NATO allies and the necessity of this collaboration.
“The threats to our NATO allies and partners are increasingly complex, combining conventional and unconventional tactics, terrorism, cyberattacks and information warfare designed to destabilize alliances,” Boyd said.
The collaboration will focus on areas such as cybersecurity, defense industry engagement, and disaster response.
“The partnership we’ve signed today highlights the strength of NATO and the enduring alliance between Portugal and the United States,” Boyd said.
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