Ohio and the Republic of Angola Formalize State Partnership Program Relationship

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and His Excellency João Ernesto dos Santos, Minister of Defense and Veterans of the Homeland of the Republic of Angola, have signed a letter of intent marking the State Partnership Program (SPP) relationship between the state of Ohio and Angola.

The State Partnership Program is a National Guard–led security cooperation initiative that has been building relationships for more than 30 years and now includes 107 partnerships with 116 nations worldwide.

In coordination with the U.S. Department of War and the U.S. Department of State, the program supports sustained, long‑term engagement that strengthens institutional relationships and cooperation across military, government, economic, and social spheres.

“This partnership reflects Ohio’s long‑standing commitment to global engagement and public service,” said Governor DeWine.

“Through the State Partnership Program, Ohio and Angola will work together to share experience, build professional connections, and learn from one another in ways that benefit both our communities.”

Ohio’s partnership with Angola builds on the Ohio National Guard’s long‑standing State Partnership Program relationships with Hungary (partner since 1993) and Serbia (partner since 2006), which have expanded beyond military cooperation to include collaboration with state agencies, universities, and industry partners—demonstrating the program’s ability to foster enduring, whole‑of‑society relationships.

“The Ohio National Guard’s strength in the State Partnership Program comes from our citizen‑Soldiers and Airmen,” said Maj. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, Ohio adjutant general.

“Through this partnership with Angola, we look forward to sharing best practices and learning together in areas such as medical readiness, cybersecurity, emergency management, and leadership development, in ways that strengthen institutions and relationships.”

The Ohio National Guard will serve as the primary state partner for implementing the State Partnership Program relationship with Angola. Activities conducted under the program are cooperative in nature and typically include bilateral familiarizations, subject matter expert exchanges, training‑like events, exercises, and civic leader visits. All engagements are coordinated with combatant commands and U.S. embassy country teams to ensure they support shared objectives.

The Ohio–Angola State Partnership Program relationship is intended to promote long‑term dialogue, transparency, and cooperation through sustained engagement.

The State Partnership Program connects U.S. states and partner nations through long‑term relationships that emphasize professional development, institutional capacity‑building, and mutual exchange. By leveraging the National Guard’s unique dual civilian‑military role, the program supports practical cooperation that builds trust, resilience, and enduring international partnerships.

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