"Slovenia values the relationship that has developed between the Slovenian Armed Forces and the Colorado National Guard over the past 30 years. We have learned a lot from each other over the last three decades and I believe that this will continue in the future," he said in his speech at the anniversary ceremony, thanking Colorado National Guard Brigadier General Laura L. Clellan for the long and constructive cooperation.

Initially, the cooperation was based on army-to-army activities, allowing the SAF to exchange experts and their knowledge. Over the years, activities have shifted to specific areas of strategic importance to us, such as military exercises and training, military mountaineering and mountain warfare, and military aviation. In recent years, cooperation has also taken place in the field of cyber security.

According to Minister Šarec, we are grateful to the USA for its support provided in the field of education and training. "In order to strengthen our cooperation, we held our first High-Level Defence Talks in March. I am pleased that the group will meet again in Slovenia next year," the Minister added.

On cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and the Colorado National Guard

Defence cooperation between the MoD and the Colorado National Guard dates back to 1993, when the State Partnership Programme was established by the USA. Cooperation with the Colorado National Guard has been of great importance for the development of the Slovenian Armed Forces. Initially, the cooperation was mainly based on military-to-military activities, giving the SAF access to military and civilian experts and their skills through exchange programmes. In the early stages of the SAF's development, this type of cooperation was very valuable and contributed significantly to the development of capabilities and the achievement of interoperability between the two militaries and consequently within the Alliance.

Over the years, cooperation has shifted to specific areas of strategic importance to us, including military exercises and training, military mountaineering and mountain warfare, military aviation, nuclear, radiological, chemical and biological defence (CBRN), protection and rescue, and, in recent years, cyber security and defence.