In Photos: The Official Singapore State Arrival

This week, the President and the First Lady welcomed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Mrs. Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore to the White House for an official visit. Today marks the first official visit to the United States by a Singaporean Prime Minister in over 30 years and celebrates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two nations. Get an inside look of the day’s events with these photos:

“Singapore is an anchor for the U.S. presence in the region, which is a foundation of stability and peace.” — President Obama

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama await the arrival of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore and Mrs. Lee Hsien Loong during the State Arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Aug. 2, 2016. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

The President and First Lady greet the Prime Minister as he arrives. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The Prime Minister waves as he and the President take the stage. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

President Obama and the Prime Minister listen to the national anthem of Singapore. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

President Obama and the Prime Minister, with the First Lady and Mrs. Lee, listen to the national anthem of Singapore. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President and Prime Minister listen to the U.S. national anthem. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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

Prime Minister Lee stops to take a photo of a young guest. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

The Prime Minister waves at guests after reviewing the troops. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

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

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

The President listens to Prime Minister Lee’s remarks. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Mrs. Lee, the First Lady, Prime Minister Lee and President Obama wave from the Blue Room Balcony. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Mrs. Lee and President Obama watch the Prime Minister sign the guest book in the Blue Room. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President walks with the Prime Minister along the Colonnade after the arrival ceremony. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President talks with Prime Minister Lee before their bilateral meeting in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama and Prime Minister Lee of Singapore participate in a bilateral meeting. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The First Lady and Mrs. Lee tour the National Gallery of Art with Director Earl A. “Rusty” Powell III, in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Lee watch a Turnaround Arts performance at the National Gallery of Art. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

Prime Minister Lee listens to the President answer a question. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President and Pete A. Selfridge, Chief of Protocol, U.S. Department of State, watch the Prime Minister’s motorcade depart. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President’s table setting for the State Dinner in the East Room. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Final touches are added to plates in the Old Family Dining Room. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

President Obama and the First Lady greet Mrs. Lee and the Prime Minister on the North Portico steps upon their arrival for the State Dinner. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Prime Minister Lee chats with National Security Advisor Susan Rice and Amb. Kirk Wager during a reception on the Truman Balcony. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President and First Lady mingle with guests during the reception. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The Vice President photographs Mrs. Obama with his granddaughter Finnegan Biden and Dr. Biden. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President, First Lady, Prime Minister and Mrs. Lee watch the Color Guard prepare to lead them down the Grand Staircase from the Yellow Oval Room. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Mrs. Lee, the First Lady, Prime Minister Lee and President Obama pose for an official photo in the Grand Foyer. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

The President, Prime Minister Lee and Mrs. Obama greet State Dinner guests in the Blue Room. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President offers a toast to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Lee and the friendship between the U.S. and Singapore during the State Dinner in the East Room. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

President Obama and Prime Minister Lee toast at the State Dinner. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

The President and Mrs. Lee listen to a toast from the Prime Minister. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

State Dinner guests view a photo on Prime Minister Lee’s phone of an orchid hybrid that Singapore has named in honor of the Obamas. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Vice President Biden talks with guests, including Dr. Biden and granddaughter Finnegan, at his table. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Guests enjoy food and conversation during the State Dinner for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama and Prime Minister Lee converse with dinner guests. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison, Executive Chef Cris Comerford and Chief Floral Designer Roshan Ghaffarian are recognized during remarks by Mrs. Obama. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The First Lady delivers remarks to guests. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The President and First Lady escort Prime Minister Lee and Mrs. Lee through the Cross Hall to the entertainment in the State Dining Room. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Chrisette Michele performs in the State Dining Room. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Guests take in the performance of Chrisette Michele. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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