DES MOINES, Iowa – It was a night of celebration at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates as the Iowa National Guard and the Consulate of the Republic of Kosovo gathered for the 18th anniversary of the nation’s independence.
“We’re celebrating the 18th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Kosovo,” said Kreshnik Ahmeti, Deputy Minister of the Republic of Kosovo. “Of course, we’re celebrating in Iowa also because we have this partnership between the two countries, which I really believe is the most beautiful embodiment of the partnership between Kosovo and the United States.”
Since 2003, the Iowa National Guard has been forming relations with the Republic of Kosovo with peacemaking missions that helped the nation establish the Kosovo security force after gaining independence.
“The Kosovo military at that time was really a way more of a civil defense type force. We were helping train them, as well as providing the security and stability in the region,” said Major General Stephen Osborn, Adjutant General for the Iowa National Guard.
The relationship has continued to grow since then, as Kosovo is an official sister state of Iowa, serving as a meaningful international connection.
“It expands outside the military to the educational realm, the economic realm, the agricultural realm,” said Major General Osbron. “I know the governor, I know a lot of our state leadership are trying to expand that as much as we can.”
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