An upcoming reception in Des Moines will celebrate the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence while highlighting the long-standing partnership between Iowa and the Republic of Kosovo. Norwalk has been a part of the relationship since 2018.

The Consulate of the Republic of Kosovo will host the event on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in downtown Des Moines. The reception will include representatives from the Republic of Kosovo, the State of Iowa, the Iowa National Guard, and local government leaders.

The Iowa–Kosovo relationship began in 2011 through a state partnership with the Iowa National Guard and has since expanded into education, economic development, government, and municipal sister-city connections. Norwalk became an official sister city with Peja, Kosovo, in 2018 and has remained active in the statewide collaboration. Norwalk Economic Development Director Hollie Zajicek tells KNIA News the partnership has grown significantly over the past decade. 

“It’s a productive partnership that’s looked at throughout the country as one of the very best international partnerships that any state has in the US. It really is a dual celebration as their 18th year of technical independence, and then also marking our relationship as a state and nation partnership.”

Zajicek added that the Norwalk City Council will formally recognize the anniversary at its upcoming meeting this evening, with Mayor Tom Phillips reading a proclamation honoring Kosovo’s independence. The anniversary reception on Friday will serve as both a celebration of Kosovo’s independence and a recognition of the ongoing ties between Iowa communities, including Norwalk, and their partners in Kosovo.