CENTENNIAL, Colo. ~ In a historic signing ceremony at the Bellevue Palace in Bern, Switzerland, officials from the Swiss Confederation and Colorado National Guard solidified their partnership under the National Guard State Partnership Program on September 15, 2025.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership, stating that the National Guard plays a crucial role in protecting Colorado and supporting international partners. He also acknowledged the efforts of Former Ambassador Scott Miller in bringing Switzerland and Colorado closer together.

The Adjutant General of Colorado, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan, echoed Governor Polis' sentiments and expressed pride in partnering with Switzerland. She noted that this partnership aligns with Switzerland's defense priorities and advances key U.S. national security objectives in Europe.

The signing of the Letter of Intent for this new partnership was attended by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan and Lt. Gen. Thomas Süssli, chief of the Swiss Armed Forces, who were both present to solidify this important alliance between their respective nations.

More on Colorado Desk

• Wise Business Plans Expands Strategic Business Plan Services Across All Major Colorado Cities
• 10xLaw.com Extends Employment Opportunity to Kim Kardashian
• DecisionPoint Technologies Accelerates Growth with Acquisition of Acuity Technologies
• CCHR: Involuntary Commitment Is Eugenics Repackaged as "Mental Health Care"
• Q2 2025 Industry Impact Report Underscores Semiconductor Expansion, Talent Development and Sustainability Milestones

This partnership is not only based on shared geography and demographics but also on cultural, economic, historical, and technological bonds between Switzerland and Colorado. The Swiss Armed Forces and CONG have expertise in various areas such as air defense, critical infrastructure protection, cyber operations, emergency response including search and rescue missions, high-altitude rotary wing operations, mountain operations, space operations, and medical support.

Colorado has been a part of the State Partnership Program since its inception in 1993 when it partnered with Slovenia as one of 13 countries emerging from behind the Iron Curtain. In 2004, Colorado also became a partner with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan – marking its first partnership in the Levant Region of the Middle East.

Through consistent engagement and trust-building activities over the years, Colorado has proven its ability to cultivate enduring partnerships that reach even to the highest levels of its partner nations' ministries of defense.

More on Colorado Desk

• 84 Ethiopian Churches Change Signboards to Shincheonji Church of Jesus
• BTXSGG Outlines Four-Pillar Framework to Enhance Digital Asset Security and Compliance
• NJTRX Positions for Next-Generation Asset Trading with U.S. Regulatory Framework
• Poncho Tha Popstar: The West's Next King
• Physician-Turned-Patient Launches Advocacy Campaign to Spotlight Disability Insurance Barriers

With the addition of Switzerland, the State Partnership Program now includes 115 nations and the National Guard of every U.S. state and territory. This program is a cost-effective and crucial tool for U.S. security cooperation, facilitating collaboration across all aspects of civil-military affairs. It also helps to improve capabilities, enhance interoperability, and promote responsible governance.

The State Partnership Program provides partner nations with access to defense capabilities on a scale that is more in line with their own military institutions. These partnerships demonstrate a consistent and persistent commitment to expanding security ties with other nations.

The partnership between Switzerland and Colorado marks an important milestone in strengthening international relationships and promoting global security. With their shared values and expertise, this partnership is sure to bring about mutual benefits for both nations in the years to come.

---

Show All News | Report Violation