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Reaffirms its commitment to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression
Annapolis, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today commemorated Maryland’s longstanding security partnerships with Estonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the people of Ukraine at the Camp Fretterd Army Reservation at Reisterstown.
“Over the past few weeks, we have again been reminded of exactly why strong ties and alliances like this are so essential,” Governor Hogan said. “We have worked closely together over all these years, conducting training exercises and establishing an enduring partnership, to be ready to help ensure stability and democracy in these uncertain and dangerous times. As Commander-in-Chief of the Maryland National Guard, I promise that we will continue to stand with you, and we will continue to stand with the brave people of Ukraine, Estonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to stand with all our allies. ”
Estonia. Established in 1993 as one of the first partnerships under the National Guard State Partnership Program, the Maryland National Guard participates in a range of military-to-military activities with the Estonian Defense Forces and the Estonian Defense League. This partnership is considered the gold standard for developing future partnerships within the program.
In 2019, the governor signed into law a memorandum of understanding between the two countries focusing on economic development, tourism, education, drug abuse prevention, culture and the arts.
Bosnia Herzegovina. The Maryland National Guard’s partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina was established in 2003, with a focus on military-to-military activities, crisis response, and emergency preparedness for natural disasters.
Support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. Shortly after the start of the Russian invasion, the governor announced the end of Maryland’s sister state relationship with the Leningrad region of Russia, which was first established in 1993. The governor also ordered state agencies to review all contracts, purchases and holdings that may have ties to Russian entities and called on the Maryland State Pension and Retirement System Board of Trustees to take action immediate disinvestment notices with respect to investments, securities or equity interests in Russian or Russian-affiliated entities. In addition to participating in a special prayer service at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Baltimore, the governor led a sunset prayer vigil at the State House.
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