DENVER (11/8/10) – Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr., received an international cooperation medal from the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia Dr. Ljubica Jelusic Nov. 8.

Jelusic and Slovenia’s Ambassador to the U.S. Roman Kirn have been visiting Colorado this week. 

The Republic of Slovenia has been Colorado’s state partner for more than17 years, one of the oldest partnerships in the National Guard’s State Partnership Program.

“We are pleased to have the relationship with Slovenia, which has been very beneficial to us in this state,” said Ritter.  “We thank you for what you have done for the Colorado National Guard as much as you thank us.” 

Ritter then presented Jelusic a Colorado flag that was flown over the state capitol building.

“Thank you for everything you have done for cooperation between Slovenia and Colorado,” said Jelusic.  “We look forward to continuing this cooperation.”

Soldiers from Slovenia and the Colorado Army National Guard trained together as an Operational Mentor and Liaison Team before they deployed to Afghanistan together last month. Their mission is to provide knowledge to the Afghan National Army to help improve security and stability in that region. A second OMLT is currently training for the Afghan mission.

Colorado has two state partnerships. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan became a partner nation in 2004.

The National Guard’s State Partnership Program is a key Department of Defense security cooperation program employed by combatant commanders in coordination with U.S. ambassadors and country teams to match National Guard states with 62 foreign countries around the globe, strengthening U.S. defense ties and promoting mutual security.