Biden Hosts State Dinner for Kenyan President... Close Diplomacy to Counter China

Luxurious Welcome for African Leader's First US Visit in 16 Years
"Largest Scale During Biden's Term"
Over 500 Celebrities Including Former President Obama Attend

President Joe Biden, who has been strengthening ties with Africa to counter China, hosted a state dinner for the Kenyan president. The dinner attracted attention with the attendance of over 500 prominent figures from various fields, including former President Obama.

On the 23rd (local time), according to AP and Bloomberg News, President Biden invited Kenyan President William Ruto to the White House for a dinner. President Ruto became the first African leader in 16 years to make a state visit to the United States.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

President Biden welcomed him by saying, "The United States and Kenya share a strong respect for the history that connects us." President Ruto responded in his toast, "In a world where challenges shake people's beliefs, we stand shoulder to shoulder for democracy with proud and resolute attitudes."

AP evaluated that the dinner hosted by President Biden for President Ruto was the largest state dinner held at the White House during his term. The dining area, set up in the South Lawn of the White House, was decorated with American roses and African orchids symbolizing the long-standing friendship between the two countries, and the menu featured a three-course meal including American beef short ribs and boiled lobster.

The lineup of over 500 prominent guests attending the dinner also drew attention. Alongside political figures such as former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former President Barack Obama, major business leaders including Melinda Gates, Brad Smith, President of Microsoft (MS), and Ruth Porat, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Alphabet, were also present. Performances by artists catering to the tastes of President Ruto and his wife, who enjoy gospel and country music, followed.

The state dinner was part of the United States' efforts to strengthen relations with Africa. The U.S. is seeking ways to respond amid China and Russia expanding their influence in Africa. China is conducting large-scale infrastructure projects based on loan provisions in Africa, while Russia, after its invasion of Ukraine, is targeting Africa to escape international isolation by leveraging friendly relations established during the Soviet era.

Meanwhile, after the summit with President Ruto, President Biden announced at a press conference that "we plan to designate Kenya as a ‘Major non-NATO ally’ in cooperation with Congress." A Major non-NATO ally (MNNA) refers to a country outside NATO that has a strategic military alliance with the United States.