The Consulate of the Republic of Kosovo will host a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines to celebrate the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence. Iowa and Kosovo have been sister states since 2011. The event will feature representatives from the Republic of Kosovo, the state of Iowa, the Iowa National Guard and local government leaders. This collaboration includes military, educational and cultural exchanges, as well as sister-city relationships in Des Moines, Ames, Norwalk, Johnston, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Clarion, Fort Dodge and Cedar Falls. To attend the event, RSVP to Kim Heidemann.