Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Risch met with the President of the Basque government, Inigo Urkullu, on October 9 in Washington, D.C.  In their meeting, Senator Risch and President Urkullu discussed Boise’s robust Basque community and their rich contribution to Idaho’s culture and identity.  Both men remembered one of Idaho’s dear friends and great public servants, Pete Cenarrusa, a son of Basque immigrants who passed away last month. 

“I was pleased to welcome President Urkullu to Washington, D.C., and converse about his country, his government, and the Basque peoples’ strong ties to the United States.  With their unique cuisine, language and cultural traditions, the Basque people have enriched the state of Idaho over the decades, and I was honored to host the leader of the Basques in my office”, said Risch.   

After more meetings with members of Congress and State Department officials in Washington, President Urkullu will travel to New York to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the New York Basque Club.