In Photos: The Official Italy State Visit

This week, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed the Prime Minister of Italy for their 14th and final official State Visit. Italy is one of our closest and strongest allies, so this visit gave the President an opportunity to recognize the depth and breadth of their cooperation on issues like climate change and the global refugee crisis, as well as exchange views on the future of Europe.

The day concluded with a State Dinner, featuring food by guest Chef Mario Batali and music by Grammy Award-winning artist Gwen Stefani.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wait for Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy and his wife, Mrs. Agnese Landini, to arrive for the State Arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Oct. 18, 2016. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

The President and Mrs. Obama greet Prime Minister Renzi and his wife Mrs. Landini upon their arrival. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama and the Prime Minister listen to the national anthem of Italy at the beginning of the ceremony. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

President Obama and Prime Minister Renzi review the troops. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

The President and Prime Minister greet school children and other guests after reviewing the troops. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama and Prime Minister Renzi watch the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps parade. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Prime Minister Renzi listens to the President deliver remarks. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The First Lady and Mrs. Landini listen to President Obama speak. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama turns the podium over to Prime Minister Renzi for remarks. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama and Prime Minister Renzi embrace after the Prime Minister’s remarks.(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President, First Lady, Prime Minister and Mrs. Landini prepare to move into the Blue Room after a wave to guests from the Blue Room Balcony. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President and First Lady share a smile with Mrs. Landini as the Prime Minister signs the guest book in the Blue Room following the arrival ceremony. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama and Prime Minister Renzi walk along the Colonnade to the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

President Obama and the Prime Minister Renzi participate in a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The First Lady and Mrs. Landini watch students from a local Turnaround Arts program perform as part of a spousal program for the Italy Official Visit, in the White House Kitchen Garden. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Landini tour the White House Kitchen garden with Jim Adams of the National Park Service and Deb Eschmeyer, “Let’s Move” Director and Senior Policy Advisor. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

President Obama answers a question during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Renzi in the Rose Garden. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President listens to Prime Minister Renzi during a joint press conference in the Rose Garden. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President escorts Prime Minister Renzi to his motorcade on the South Lawn driveway following their press conference. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

The President and Prime Minister say goodbye until the State Dinner. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Staff puts final touches on table settings for the Italy State Dinner on the South Lawn. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

A member of the Honor Guard stands ready for the President and First Lady on the North Portico steps prior to the arrival of Prime Minister Renzi and Mrs. Landini for the State Dinner. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

The President talks with Secretary of State John Kerry and other guests during a reception on the Truman Balcony prior to the State Dinner. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama, Mrs. Obama, Prime Minister Renzi and Mrs. Landini talk in the Yellow Oval Room. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The First Lady and Mrs. Landini wait to follow the Color Guard down the Grand Staircase. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The Vice President and Dr. Biden ride a trolley with Attorney General Loretta Lynch and husband Stephen Hargrove to the State Dinner on the South Lawn. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

The President, Prime Minister, Mrs. Landini and First Lady arrive at the State Dinner. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama offers a toast to the Prime Minister. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President and Mrs. Obama chat with the Prime Minister, Mrs. Landini and guests at the head table. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Vice President Biden talks with guests at his table. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

The South Lawn fountain is lit with the colors of the Italian flag during the dinner. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Cris Comerford and Susie Morrison join in applause for guest chef Mario Batali. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Gwen Stefani performs after dinner. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Blake Shelton joins Gwen Stefani for a duet. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama shares a laugh with Gwen Stefani on stage. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Mrs. Obama thanks Gwen Stefani after her performance. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Behind the Lens: Official State Visits Through The Years