The Pan-Albanian American Congress (PAAC) met with Major General Orr (Ret.) of the Iowa National Guard.

General Orr is known as the founding father of the Iowa Partnership Program and the special relationship that Kosova has with the State of Iowa as a result of this partnership.

General Orr informed PAAC of the process that led to the partnership, the cooperation with the Iowa National Guard that facilitated the KSF transformation, and the continuing efforts to have recruits from Kosova join the Iowa National Guard. He also informed PAAC of the incredible economic opportunities in Iowa and the potential for collaboration with the Kosova business community as well as with Albanian American businesses.

PAAC asked General Orr about Kosova’s NATO prospects and the current peacekeeping deployment of the KSF. General Orr stated that much of what has already occurred regarding the transformation of the KSF, the continued cooperation between KSF and the United States military and those of other allies, as well as the peacekeeping deployments, all serve to demonstrate Kosova’s increasing military ability, professionalism, and readiness to join NATO.

PAAC and General Orr committed to continue fostering the special relationship between Iowa and Kosova, as well as with the broader Albanian American community, in order to advance and enrich common values and interests.