Des Moines, January 5 (RHC)-- Two democratic legislators from the U.S. state of Iowa are arriving in Cuba this week, leading a delegation interested in fostering bilateral links for future trade exchange.

According to local media in Iowa, Sen. Steve Sodders and Rep. Kirsten Running-Marquardt said they will be meeting with representatives from the Cuban government and business leaders to focus on fostering new business opportunities between Iowa and Cuba.

The Iowa mission will include representatives of economic development, tourism, and trade interests. According to Senator Sodders, the visit to Cuba is part of ongoing efforts to improve relationships with an emerging new market located just off the coasts of the United States and that expanding trade with the island can bring benefits to the people of both countries.

During a session of Iowa´s General Assembly, Sodders introduced a resolution approved by the Iowa Senate that promoted efforts to develop support for an enhanced trade relationship between Iowa and Cuba, according to local media in that U.S. state.