Photo By Sgt. Olivia Lauer | Serbian Armed Forces Gen. Milan Mojsilović, chief of the general staff, left, and...... read more read more
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An Ohio National Guard delegation, led by Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, conducted a weeklong visit to Hungary and Serbia in the fall of 2024 as part of an annual State Partnership Program capstone.
This year marks the 31st anniversary of the partnership between Ohio and Hungary, as well as the 18th anniversary of Ohio’s partnership with Serbia, through the State Partnership Program, or SPP. The yearly capstone event highlights and celebrates the importance of these partnerships.
The SPP is a joint program of the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. State Department, and the individual states, territories and the District of Columbia. The SPP has been successfully building relations for 30 years and now includes 88 partnerships with 100 nations around the globe, with the goals of increasing regional security and advancing U.S. interests.
The 2024 capstone included meetings with the senior leadership of each country’s armed forces. These discussions focused on the accomplishments of the previous year and outlined future objectives of the partnerships. In Hungary, meetings were held with Lt. Gen. Ferenc Kajári and Maj. Gen. Géza Attila Takács of the Hungarian Defence Forces. While in Serbia, Harris met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Damjan Jovic, Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs state secretary, and Gen. Milan Mojsilović, chief of the general staff of the Serbian Armed Forces.
“My favorite part of being a part of the State Partnership Program has been learning that no matter where we go, we have more in common than we have differences,” Harris said. “Building on what we have in common, I think, is what makes us stronger. Not only as a nation, but with our allies and with our partners, and through that we can hopefully perpetuate peace. Through that strength, through that partnership, through that common knowledge, we make the world a safer place for ourselves and for our children.”
The collaboration between Ohio, Serbia and Hungary has fostered powerful partnerships that continue to evolve and strengthen. Through various initiatives, including joint military exercises, cultural exchanges and shared training programs, the three entities are enhancing their operational interoperability and mutual understanding one another. These efforts not only boost military readiness but also promote enduring friendships that contribute to regional stability and security. As Ohio deepens its ties with both nations, the collective commitment to cooperation ensures a shared vision for addressing common challenges and advancing mutual interests in the years to come.
“In the future, I look forward to continue to strengthen this relationship,” Harris said. “Every year the partnership gets stronger and better. We have so much in common. I look forward to nothing but goodness in the future for the partnership.”
These enduring partnerships exemplify the power of collaboration and shared values in fostering peace and security around the world. Moving forward, the continued commitment to joint initiatives and open dialogue will help enhance the collective capabilities of the SPP in furthering global stability.
| Date Taken: | 09.22.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.31.2024 12:12 |
| Story ID: | 488449 |
| Location: | HU |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Ohio National Guard leaders meet with Hungarian, Serbian partners during annual capstone event, by SGT Olivia Lauer, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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