HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ President Barack Obama has appointed Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy to a bipartisan group of governors charged with strengthening collaboration between federal and state governments on national security issues.

Malloy will serve a two-year term on the 10-member Council of Governors that was established in 2010. The president appoints the members, with equal representation from both political parties.

The council addresses matters of national security, homeland defense, synchronization and integration of state and federal military activities in the United States and issues of mutual interest related to the National Guard.

Malloy says in a statement that the appointment comes with great responsibility.

Malloy adds he is proud of members of the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard who are routinely called upon to support the needs of Connecticut and the nation.