VICTORIA, Seychelles –The New Mexico National Guard and the Seychelles Defence Forces officially established a new partnership under the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program during a signing ceremony in Seychelles this morning, marking the beginning of a long-term relationship focused on security cooperation, disaster response, professional military development and institutional exchanges.

The agreement links the New Mexico National Guard with the Seychelles Defence Forces through a program designed to foster enduring relationships, strengthen readiness and promote mutual understanding between partner nations.

The partnership will provide opportunities for military-to-military engagements, emergency management collaboration, leadership development and the exchange of best practices.

Leaders from both organizations emphasized the importance of building trust and strengthening capabilities through sustained cooperation.

“This new State Partnership with Seychelles strengthens our shared commitment to regional security, disaster response, and professional military cooperation,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, New Mexico’s adjutant general. “Through this partnership, the New Mexico National Guard will deepen people-to-people ties, exchange expertise, and build lasting capacity that benefits both our nations. We look forward to a relationship grounded in mutual respect, readiness, and shared values.”

During the ceremony, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Adham Loutfi highlighted the long-term significance of the agreement.

“The officers, engineers and emergency responders from New Mexico and Seychelles who train together today will lead our respective institutions tomorrow,” Loutfi said. “This is an investment in human capital and institutional trust.”

Beyond military cooperation, the partnership is expected to strengthen people-to-people relationships and support shared priorities, including maritime security, disaster preparedness and resilience.

Seychelles is responsible for safeguarding approximately 1.37 million square kilometers of Indian Ocean waters, making cooperation in areas such as emergency response and security particularly valuable.

The State Partnership Program, administered by the National Guard Bureau, connects U.S. states and territories with partner nations worldwide to advance security cooperation objectives while building lasting professional and personal relationships.

Through the program, National Guard units share expertise in areas ranging from military readiness and leadership development to emergency management and humanitarian assistance.

New Mexico and Seychelles share common values rooted in service, resilience and community.

Leaders from both organizations expressed optimism that the partnership will create enduring benefits for their forces and citizens while contributing to regional stability and security.

Also representing the New Mexico National Guard at the signing ceremony were Joint Staff Director Brig. Gen. Pia Romero and State Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Poccia, whose presence underscored the Guard’s commitment to building a strong and enduring relationship with the Seychelles Defence Forces across all levels of leadership.