RICHMOND, Va. –
Del. David Reid and State Senator Bryce Reeves, co-chairs of the Virginia General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus, presented House Joint Resolution No. 673 commending the 20th anniversary of Virginia National Guard’s State Partnership Program with the Republic of Tajikistan to Gen. Col. Rajabali Rahmonali, first deputy chair and commander of the Border Guard, State Committee for National Security of the Republic of Tajikistan, Sept. 20, 2023, in Richmond, Virginia.
“I am very honored and grateful to be presented with this historical document that confirms the cooperation between Virginia and Tajikistan,” Rahmonali. “I sincerely believe there will be a 30th and 40th anniversary, and our relationship will strengthen and we will continue our cooperation.”
Reid said it was an honor to recognize the 20-year partnership and explained the joint resolution is now part of the permanent record of the General Assembly, and it will be accessible for anyone doing research in the future.
Rahmonali also presented a gift to retired Maj. Gen. Craig Crenshaw, Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs. Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, joined the presentation and the tour of the Virginia Capitol Building.
“This day is important to both Virginia and our country,” Crenshaw said after extending a welcome on behalf of Governor Glenn Youngkin. “It means we have worked well and see a future in our continued relationship. As we reflect on today’s recognition, we know that as we continue to work together as a team, it will benefit both of us.”
Ring discussed the historical significance of presenting the joint resolution at the Virginia capitol, home to the longest-serving legislative body in the Western Hemisphere, and of the tradition of citizen-service exemplified by today’s National Guard.
“Our nation was founded on liberty and justice for all, and as military members we understand we are serving for peace and not war,” Ring said. “We stand for global peace and security, and that is extended to Tajikistan. As Virginians and U.S. citizens, we stand for freedom and stability in Tajikistan, and for your sovereignty and prosperity.”
The joint resolution states the Republic of Tajikistan gained independence from the Soviet Union on September 9, 1991, and since then has remained “a sovereign and independent nation that makes numerous contributions to world affairs.”
It goes on the state the Republic of Tajikistan entered into the National Guard’s State Partnership Program with the Virginia National Guard on July 31, 2003, and has remained “an active and valued participant in the program for the past two decades.”
The resolution also states “members of the Virginia National Guard have been instrumental in supporting counterterrorism efforts in Tajikistan by training members of Tajikistan’s ministry of defense in areas such as infantry tactics and military police operations; the Virginia National Guard’s professionalism and combat expertise have led the way in building the capability and capacity of Tajikistan military forces.”
Read the full joint resolution at
https://ngpa.us/26961, and read more about the State Partnership Program at
https://ngpa.us/26962.