CAMP JOHNSON, Vermont –
The Vermont National Guard will host a press conference here May 27 at 10 a.m. to discuss an upcoming trip with military and state leaders.
Attending the press conference will be Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, adjutant general, Vermont National Guard; Vermont Lt. Gov. Molly Gray, and Vermont Secretary of Commerce and Community Development Lindsay Kurrle.
The Vermont National Guard has partnered with North Macedonia through the National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) for over 25 years, providing training and support. Now that North Macedonia has earned the newest membership with NATO and seeks EU Membership, the Vermont National Guard and Vermont State leaders will explore expanding the traditional military partnership to include opportunities to strengthen peace and security through economic opportunity.
Under the new Economic Partnership Initiative, the SPP aims to embrace economic development as a key pillar of security cooperation. The program may link organizations with similar experiences and goals to mutually strengthen the economic opportunities and partnership between North Macedonia and Vermont.
This will be the first visit of a Vermont Lt. Governor and State Secretary to North Macedonia in support of the SPP program.