Branstad to meet with China President Xi Jinping

Then Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping is welcomed on stage by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad as they both gave toasts at the beginning of the dinner. Gov. Terry Branstad toasts to Vice President Xi Jinping and the long-lasting friendship between Iowa and China. – Feb. 15th, 2012 – Des Moines, Iowa – Iowa State Capitol – China Vice President Xi Jinping is welcomed by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad in the governor’s office before the state dinner at the Iowa State Capitol. After this meeting a formal toast was given at the beginning of dinner. (Andrea Melendez/The Des Moines Register – pool photograher)

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Branstad will continue building Iowa’s long-term relationship with China President Xi Jinping by meeting with him Monday, strengthening ties to one of the state’s most important economic trading partners.

Branstad first met with Xi in the governor’s formal office in 1985, when Xi was a local party leader traveling on an exchange program through the Iowa Sister States program.

“I am excited to catch up with our old friend, Xi Jinping,” said Branstad. “The value of this relationship cannot be overstated. As a result, Iowa is the preferred provider to feed China’s growing population and our agriculture exports to China continue to grow. This type of international trade currently supports 430,000 jobs right here in Iowa.”