President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are hosting Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto for a state dinner, marking the first state visit a U.S. president has held for an African nation since 2008. Although Biden has not yet visited Africa as president, he plans to go in February after being reelected. The two leaders are holding a joint news conference after their meetings and ahead of the state dinner. Biden emphasized the importance of the collaboration between Kenya and the United States, both committed to each other and to building a better world.
The night’s musical guest at the state dinner will be country music star Brad Paisley. The menu and decor for the evening are designed around a seasonal theme, with the first course featuring chilled green tomato soup with marinated onions and cucumber. The main course includes lobster poached in butter and marinated and lightly smoked short ribs served on a bed of kale, roasted corn, sweet potatoes, and squash. For dessert, the White House is serving a homemade white chocolate basket with nectarine paste, banana ganache, and fresh berries, with the U.S. and Kenyan flags stamped on top.
The scene for the state dinner includes a cocktail reception on the terrace before guests enter a transparent pavilion with more than 1,000 candles framing the Washington Monument. The gesture of candlelight is meant to make guests from abroad feel at home. The Bidens are also presenting the Kenyan couple with North Carolina-made rocking chairs with personalized inscriptions, a first edition of “The Trumpet of Conscience” by Martin Luther King, Jr., and a custom pearl and peridot gemstone necklace made in Philadelphia by Dr. Jill Biden.
President Biden expressed his optimism and hope for a better world as he welcomed President Ruto to the White House, emphasizing the importance of the partnership between Kenya and the United States. The leaders are focusing on collaboration and cooperation to enhance global safety and security. The state dinner serves as a platform for strengthening diplomatic ties and showcasing the cultural and culinary offerings of both nations. The elaborate event highlights the shared values and commitment to building a more peaceful and prosperous world through mutual understanding and respect.
The elaborate menu for the state dinner showcases the culinary expertise of the White House executive chef, featuring a selection of seasonal dishes that highlight the flavors and ingredients of the summer season. The carefully curated courses reflect the richness and diversity of both American and Kenyan cuisines, offering a unique culinary experience for the guests. The evening is a celebration of friendship and partnership between the two nations, demonstrating the power of diplomacy and cooperation in addressing global challenges and promoting peace and prosperity for all. The state dinner exemplifies the importance of cultural exchange and dialogue in building strong and enduring relationships between countries.
As the evening progresses, guests will enjoy the musical performance by Brad Paisley, adding a touch of entertainment and joy to the diplomatic event. The ambiance of the state dinner, with its candlelit pavilion and elegant decor, creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the guests, fostering communication and understanding between the leaders and representatives of the two nations. The exchange of gifts between the Bidens and the Rutos symbolizes the gesture of friendship and goodwill, reinforcing the bonds of partnership and cooperation between the United States and Kenya. Overall, the state dinner is a symbol of the enduring friendship and collaboration between the two nations, highlighting the potential for positive change and progress through mutual respect and cooperation.
