ANNAPOLIS, MD Oct 30:
Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller and Secretary of State Susan C. Lee today hosted 34 public officials, academics, and security analysts from the NATO delegation and aspirant countries at the Maryland State House.

The group is visiting Washington, D.C. in coordination with the U.S. State Department for the “The Enduring Legacy of Collective Defense: 75th Anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization,” which highlights the enduring importance of collective defense and NATO's pivotal role in global security over the past 75 years.

“Partnership extends beyond our state borders,” said Lt. Gov. Aruna K. Miller. “By collaborating and exchanging ideas, we build bridges and learn from some of the world’s best and brightest. We are honored to host NATO’s delegation and hope they found our discussions on cybersecurity and subnational diplomacy as valuable as we did.“

"Hosting our NATO officials today highlights the vital role of subnational partnerships in strengthening our collective security,” said Secretary of State Susan Lee. “By fostering collaboration at all levels, we enhance our resilience and effectiveness in addressing shared challenges. Together, we are not only allies on the global stage but also partners in our communities, committed to building a safer future for all."

The session included Maryland Adjutant General Janeen Birckhead, U.S. State Department Representative Sandy Jacobs, and representatives from the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI). It featured a Q&A session focused on the 2024 NATO Summit and foreign policy decision-making processes.

“The Maryland National Guard is proud to host the International Visitor Leadership Program, sponsored by the U.S. State Department. This is a valuable opportunity to celebrate Maryland's important international relationships, and showcase Maryland Guard Soldiers' and Airmen's professional training and mentorship in aviation, cyber defense, military medicine, policing, and more,” said Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, Adjutant General for Maryland. “Through three decades of professional military exchanges with partners Estonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Maryland Guard has contributed directly to NATO's goals of peace, stability and security.”

“Every year, the World Trade Center Institute engages hundreds of foreign leaders from all over the globe who visit Maryland to exchange ideas and build connections with peers,” said Nina Bankova - VP, Global Engagement and Fellowships, World Trade Center Institute. “These exchanges showcase Maryland's rich resources and diverse expertise. Lieutenant Governor Miller and the Secretary of State's Office have been key partners in this effort as we seek to highlight the role of Maryland in global affairs. This special International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), focused on the legacy and future of the NATO Alliance, is just one of many examples of the power of public diplomacy in building bridges and understanding.”

The Moore Miller Administration Hosts NATO Delegation to Strengthen Global Partnership