At a ceremony held on November 14, 2025, representatives from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence, Tri-Services, Montana National Guard, and U.S. Coast Guard District 13 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that formally establishes their participation in the State Partnership Program.
Ambassador Julie Chung addressed attendees at the event. She said, “It’s a real honor to stand here today with all of you as we take this important step together—signing the Memorandum of Understanding that officially establishes the State Partnership Program between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense, the Montana National Guard, and the U.S. Coast Guard District 13.”
Chung noted that cooperation between Sri Lanka and Montana began prior to this formal agreement. Since 2021, military personnel from both sides have participated in joint training activities and exchanges. She stated, “Long before today’s signing, Sri Lanka and Montana were already building something special. Since 2021, soldiers, sailors, and officers from both sides have trained together, exchanged expertise, and learned from each other. Through these engagements, a partnership took root—one based on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to keeping our people safe.”
She described experiences shared by participants: “I’ve heard the stories from those who’ve been part of this journey: Montanans working alongside Sri Lankan counterparts in challenging training environments; Sri Lankan officers experiencing the crisp air of the American Northwest during training exercises; friendships forged not in conference rooms, but on the field, at sea, and in classrooms.”
Ambassador Chung highlighted two major exercises: ATLAS ANGEL 2024 and PACIFIC ANGEL 2025. These events focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts involving teams from both countries.
She also mentioned recent practical cooperation under the program: “And just this past August, under the State Partnership Program, Sri Lanka Coast Guard officers joined the U.S. Coast Guard District 13 in Seattle for hands-on training in oil spill response—from hazardous waste operations to shoreline recovery and on-water cleanup. Training side by side, they shared expertise to protect vital sea lanes and safeguard coastal communities.”
The United States’ State Partnership Program has existed for over three decades and connects national guards from all U.S. states or territories with foreign partners worldwide.
Chung explained its purpose: “For over thirty years, the United States’ State Partnership Program has built connections like this around the world—pairing national guards from 54 U.S. states and territories with 115 foreign partner nations. It’s an incredible network that promotes global security,and just as importantly builds friendships that endure well beyond uniforms or titles.”
She added that beyond defense matters alone,“That’s what today is about. This program isn’t only about defense—it’s about connection.It’s about Montanans and Sri Lankans discovering common ground learning from each other,and realizing that our challenges—and our hopes—are often the same.”
Ambassador Chung concluded by thanking key officials for their roles in establishing this partnership.“I want to extend my sincere thanks to Deputy Defence Minister,the Secretary of Defence,and Adjutant General of Montana National Guard for their leadership in bringing us here today.Your dedication and vision have transformed an idea into a partnership that will serve both our nations for generations to come.”
The MoU marks another chapter in growing ties between U.S.and Sri Lankan defense institutions.