In response to the rapid changes in Eastern Europe, and to help the new, emerging democratic governments, the United States initiated the State Partnership Program in 1993. Michigan's partner, Latvia, was one of the first and the partnership has grown to be one of the strongest in the program. More than just military in nature, Latvia and Michigan refer to their strong partnership by the Latvian word Sadarbiba, which translates to "working together."

Sitting in a strategic position between the fellow Baltic republics of Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia has a rapidly developing market economy. Among the former Soviet states, only Estonia rivals Latvia's speed of transformation.

 The transition has been tough, however, requiring strict monetary policies and reform programs to bring high inflation into check. A now dynamic private sector accounts for more than half of Latvia's GDP and has spurred the growth of trade ties with the West.

Michigan civic leaders, from business and industry, as well as government, have visited Latvian leaders on several occasions. Latvian leaders have also visited Michigan. Trade and civic ties have developed between the two states.

Through the years, members of Latvia's National Defense Force and the Michigan National Guard have trained together on numerous occasions. Michigan's Guard members have travelled to Latvia and other European countries to work with their Latvian counterparts. In 1999, Michigan's Camp Grayling hosted the first-ever multi-national exercises under the State Partnership Program. Baltic Challenge 1999 included members of the Guard from Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, together with their partners Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

The Michigan Guard and Latvia, together, laid the foundation for a Latvian Chaplain Corps and NCO Corps. Michigan also helped Latvia's military reshape its procurement system and established a Public Affairs program.