General Background

The State Partnership Program (SPP) links U.S. states and partner nations in support of mutual interests. The goal of the program is to establish broad reaching, friendly ties between partner states and partner countries at all levels of society utilizing the National Guard as the catalyzing force and means of support.

SD-Suriname Partnership

Formally established in August 2006. Two information exchanges have been conducted in Suriname by the Director, with a Distinguished Visitor visit by SD personnel scheduled for March 2007 and a visit by Surinamese to SD in April 2007.

Objectives

• Improve military interoperability between US and Partner Nation forces.
• Demonstrate military subordination and support to civilian authorities.
• Assist with the development of democratic institutions.
• Foster open market economies to help develop stability.
• Project and represent US humanitarian values.

Process and Relationships

Through the office of the Adjutant General and Governor, institutional and people-to-people relationships are developed that can be sustained over the long term. The state facilitates local government, academic and economic contacts as well as National Guard and civilian community involvement in personal contacts with the Partner country. The program also facilitates linking the right personnel, with the right skills and qualifications, at the right time to accomplish the mutually agreed upon strategic objectives.

Focus areas for the SD-Suriname SPP based upon similarities and interests

1. Tourism/Eco-tourism
2. Civic organizations: Rotary, Lions, Optimists, Exchange
3. Mining
4. Medicine/Public Health
5. Zoos
6. Franchising
7. Agriculture
8. Environmental/Resource Management
9. SD Made Products
10. Imports/Exports
11. Chambers of Commerce/Trade Associations
12. Foreign Investment
13. Education – student/faculty exchanges

Program Director

Lieutenant Colonel John P. Weber
Deputy Directorate of Plans (J5)
South Dakota National Guard
2823 West Main St
Rapid City, SD 57702

Tel: 605-737-6990
email: john.p.weber@us.army.mil