U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) discussed the longstanding partnership between the Wyoming National Guard and Tunisia during a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing, where Bill Bazzi, President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, testified.
Barrasso highlighted the 20-year collaboration under the Department of Defense’s National Guard State Partnership Program. He noted his personal involvement with the program and described how Wyoming troops have participated in activities such as mine clearing, construction projects, and engineering efforts alongside Tunisian forces.
“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?”
Barrasso also raised concerns about regional security risks related to terrorism given Tunisia’s geographic location. He asked Bazzi to assess current U.S.-Tunisian relations by referencing similarities between both militaries’ equipment: “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?”
Additionally, Barrasso discussed educational exchanges. Last year saw memorandums signed between the University of Wyoming and four Tunisian universities aimed at fostering academic cooperation. Barrasso asked Bazzi: “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 help strengthen relationships between nations?”
The discussion focused on ways these partnerships—both military and academic—could continue supporting bilateral ties between the United States and Tunisia.
