Des Moines, March 4 (RHC) -– A resolution supporting enhanced trade between the United States and Cuba was approved by the Iowa Senate on Tuesday. Senate Resolution Six was sponsored by Sen. Steve Sodders. He said the warming of relations between the two nations offers the opportunity for the sale of Iowan meat, grain, eggs and manufacturing products to the Caribbean island nation, the Des Moines Register reports.

The resolution was approved on a voice vote with a few lawmakers in opposition, including Republican Sen. Mark Chelgren, who called the decision to open trade relations with Cuba “premature.” Sodders said the decision was made to benefit Iowa's business interests and did not mean that they were embracing Cuba's political system.

The move comes in the framework of bilateral talks between the Cuban and U.S. governments to establish diplomatic relations. These efforts have strongly backed by the U.S. business community, particularly the agribusiness industry, which sees an attractive market in Cuba.