Texas Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs, Texas Military Department leaders and Egyptian Defense, Military, Naval and Air Attaché to the U.S. and Canada Maj. Gen. Abdelraouf A. Moussa Mohamed, among others were in attendance.

“The National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) supports the security cooperation objectives of the United States and the Geographic Combatant Commands (GCC) by developing enduring relationships with partner countries,” a release from the Texas Military Department said.

The SPP aims to build partner capacity, increase readiness and improve interoperability. It is expected to enhance U.S. access and influence, according to the department.

Partnerships like these have been fostered since 1993, the department says. Texas is also partners with the Czech Republic and Chile.

Leaders gather to formally recognize partnership between Texas National Guard and Egypt Aug. 24