North Dakota Guard Partners With Two More African Nations

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Top officials with the North Dakota National Guard are overseas this week formalizing partnerships with two African nations.

Guard Commander Dave Sprynczynatyk and others on Thursday signed an agreement with the Republic of Benin through the State Partnership Program. That's a Defense Department effort that began about two decades ago to foster military, social and economic ties with other nations.

The North Dakota officials on Friday were signing an agreement with Togo.

The North Dakota Guard is the first state Guard to be partnered with three African nations. It has had a relationship with Ghana for a decade.