On July 11, 2025, H.E. Dr. Suriya Jindawongse, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States, together with Consul-General Katanaweedee Kalyanamit, and their delegation, met with Ms. Bobbi Bentz, Mayor of Ankeny, Mr. Trent Murphy, CEO of the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce, and senior officials from the City of Ankeny to discuss the city’s development strategy. The discussions focused on transforming Ankeny into a dynamic economic hub characterized by strong economic growth and high quality of life. The city aims to attract leading companies to invest and operate within a well-prepared and conducive economic ecosystem, underpinned by an education system that promotes economic development while being attentive to community well-being, along with efficient, accessible governance.

Both sides also explored potential cooperation in agricultural innovation and technology, particularly the application of artificial intelligence (AI). The meeting also touched on Thailand’s “Kitchen of the World” policy, which has led to an increased interest in importing high-quality agricultural products—especially corn from the state of Iowa.