About The Subcabinet For International Affairs:
Did you know that Maryland has one of the oldest Sister State relationships with China, dating back to 1980? Or that Korea, Russia, Ukraine, and the Philippines are the top international buyers of Maryland bred horses? The Governor’s Subcabinet for International Affairs brings important projects like these together under one umbrella to ensure that the State has an effective and cohesive global strategy.

Created in 2001 by Executive Order 01.01.2001.20 as amended by Executive Order 01.01.2005.24, the Subcabinet encourages open communication and collaboration among Maryland’s State agencies and the Governor’s Office. It is chaired by the Secretary of State, and its members include the Secretaries of Agriculture, Business and Economic Development, the Environment, Higher Education, and Transportation, the State Superintendent of Schools, the Lieutenant Governor, and one representative each from the World Trade Center Institute and the Maryland Sister States Program. The Office of the Secretary of State’s International Division facilitates the group and serves as its ex-officio secretary, submitting an annual report to the Governor and recording minutes at the quarterly meetings.

The Subcabinet’s 2008 – 2009 initiative is to create a Legislative Advisory Committee. The objective of this committee would be to educate Maryland citizens, via their representatives, on the varied international projects undertaken in and by the State. Legislators could also share ideas on how the Subcabinet can best serve the international interests of Maryland citizens.

Departments that comprise the Subcabinet on International Affairs, select from the drop down below:

Agencies in the Subcabinet Maryland Department of Agriculture Higher Education Commission ..... Colleges & Universities ..... Maryland International Education Association Department of Business & Economic Development Maryland Department of Transportation ..... International Offices ..... Contact Information Office of the Lieutenant Governor Maryland Department of the Environment Maryland State Department of Education

For our Subcabinet on International Affairs members and perspective international guests:

The International Mission Briefing is to be completed by state agency representatives who are coordinating official state visits overseas for their agencies. Please send the completed form to Ms. Mary E. Nitsch, Director of International Affairs, Office of the Secretary of State.  click here for form

or

The International Delegation Request for meeting with State of Maryland form is to be completed by representatives of foreign delegations and returned to the appropriate representative of the state agency with which the delegation is requesting a meeting. It is suggested that the state agency representative answer in writing exactly what the agency can provide.
click here for form

About Maryland Sister States Program:
The Maryland Sister States Program is the conduit for Maryland’s ten official sister state relationships established with states, regions or provinces in various countries around the world. The program oversees an array of international exchanges, promoting a balance of business, educational and cultural interests. The Sister States Program provides the following services:

  builds long-term international relationships
  involves Maryland business, educational, and cultural communities in public- private partnership through sister
      state committees
  matches US and foreign business
  maintains diplomatic relations with our sister states
  facilitates a broad range of international exchanges
  provides a network for sister city, county and port relationships in Maryland
  hosts and co-sponsors networking and informational events
  serves as a clearinghouse for information and contacts related to the Sister States

IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:
Please contact Mary E. Nitsch at 410-974-5521 ext. 3865

Martin O'Malley, Governor · Anthony Brown, Lt. Governor ·  John P. McDonough, Secretary of State