Barrasso Highlights Wyoming National Guard Partnership with Tunisia

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) highlighted the 20-year partnership between the Wyoming National Guard and the country of Tunisia with President Trump's U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Nominee Bill Bazzi.

Senator Barrasso specifically questioned Mr. Bazzi on how he would support the Wyoming National Guard's efforts to strengthen military cooperation, engage in professional development, and the importance of academic agreements between American and Tunisian universities.

Mr. Bazzi testified at today's Senate Committee on Foreign Relations nominations hearing.

On the Wyoming National Guard:

"Mr. Bazzi, I had a number of questions for you, and primarily it's because for the last 20 years, Wyoming and Tunisia have shared a strong connection.

"The Wyoming National Guard partnered with Tunisia and the military, as part of the Department of Defense's National Guard State Partnership Program.

"So, I've been to Tunisia, worked with our guard closely, and the military partnership does provide a valuable opportunity for troops to use their skills in the field, under real-world situations.

"I'm really proud of the incredible work that our Wyoming National Guard has done in Tunisia.

"They've trained personnel in finding and clearing various types of mines, other explosive materials, helped build classrooms, constructed culverts, carried out engineering projects, worked closely together.

"Can you talk a little bit about how you feel a partnership between Tunisia and Wyoming National Guard, or any state's national guard, can contribute to strengthening our bi-lateral relationship, particularly in areas of military cooperation and professional development?"

Follow Up:

"I agree with you in terms of the risk of terrorism, I mean, if you look at the location and what's so nearby, and the impact of that area - I think it's critical.

"So, how would you describe, because both of the militaries have field artillery that's similar, UH-60s, C-130s, you know, how would you describe the current state of U.S.-Tunisian relationships today?"

On Educational Connections:

"And, I think in general, that builds additional partnerships and friendships because last year, the University of Wyoming signed memorandums of understanding with four Tunisian universities.

"So, in your opinion, how do academic agreements, like these between the University of Wyoming and Tunisian universities, how does that help strengthen the relationship between nations?"

###