Grassley, Ernst Recognize 15 Years of Iowa National Guard-Kosovo Security Force Partnership

Grassley, Ernst Recognize 15 Years of Iowa National Guard-Kosovo Security Force Partnership

BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA - U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) are introducing a resolution to recognize the 15-year partnership between the Iowa National Guard (IANG) and the Republic of Kosovo, highlighting its contributions to advancing peace, democracy, stability and mutual understanding.

As Russia, China and Iran seek to weaken Western institutions and undermine Euro-Atlantic integration, the IANG-Kosovo partnership helps provide stability to the eastern European region. Last week, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited IANG Joint Force Headquarters in Johnston to highlight the partnership's benefits and recognize Iowa's longstanding relationship with Kosovo.

"I'm very proud Iowa has such a close relationship with one of the most pro-American countries in the world. In those fifteen years, both our peoples have felt the benefit of this bond and strengthened our security postures. I'm happy to partner with Senator Ernst in leading this resolution to honor Iowa's historic partnership with Kosovo and celebrate its enduring impact," Grassley said.

"Having served in the Iowa National Guard and trained alongside the Kosovo Security Forces during my service, I know firsthand the value of the partnership between Iowa and the Kosovo Security Force that has been built over the past 15 years," Ernst said. "During my recent visit, I saw firsthand the strength of this bond and the deep respect Kosovars have for Iowa and our men and women in uniform. Through joint training and operations, our forces advance a shared commitment to security and stability. I am proud to mark this milestone and look forward to this partnership growing even stronger."

In remarks on the Senate floor in February, Grassley marked the 18th anniversary of Kosovo's declaration of independence.

Text of the resolution can be found HERE.

Background:

In 2011, the Iowa National Guard and the Kosovo Security Force were formally partnered through the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program, which was established to foster mutual interests and long-term relationships between National Guard units and partner countries.

The resolution notes Kosovo's Ministry of Defense is working to designate a military liaison officer, deployed to Iowa, to help foster continued cooperation.

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