DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa leaders welcomed the president of Kosovo to the state on Tuesday, reaffirming a longtime diplomatic relationship.
The ceremonial welcome brought President Vjosa Osmani to the Iowa State Capitol for the first time.
Iowa is one of two states to have a sister-state partnership with the southeastern European nation.
"There exists a deep and genuine connection between the citizens of both our countries. And between, of course, the citizens of Kosovo, and Iowa in particular. Partnerships as this one are the best example of what visionary leadership can do," Osmani said.
Osmani is visiting for the World Food Prize, which honors those innovating the production and distribution of food worldwide. It will take place from Oct. 24 to 26.
According to posts made on social media platform X, Osmani and her team began their Iowa visit at Camp Dodge in Johnston, saying in part: "We are here to expand our sister state partnership and further fortify our unbreakable ties with the U.S."
In April 2023, Kosovo's ambassador to the U.S., Ilir Dugolli, visited Iowa for the first time and held a meet and greet with Iowans at the Kosovar consulate in downtown Des Moines.
Gov. Kim Reynolds also praised Kosovo and Iowa's "remarkable relationship" Tuesday on X.