Tanzanian President John Magufuli was accorded full military honours, complete with a 21-gun salute, upon arrival at State House in Nairobi on Monday.
Magufuli is on his first visit to Kenya following his election on October 29, 2015.
The Tanzanian leader was formally received for his two-day visit by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Others present were Deputy President William Ruto, Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe and Cabinet Secretaries.
The elaborate state reception included a colourful guard of honour mounted by a detachment of the Kenya Air Force. The military band played the national anthems of Kenya, Tanzania and that of the East African Community.
Magufuli began his visit by laying a wreath at the mausoleum of Kenya’s founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, before proceeding to State House for the formal reception shortly after 11.00 am.
He signed the distinguished visitors’ book after which Uhuru invited him into his office for tête-à-tête.
The two leaders will later lead their delegations in bilateral talks at State House and address a joint press conference thereafter.
Magufuli’s visit gives the two neighboring countries a chance to renew and deepen their partnership in a number of fields. The two heads of government will discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest at the bilateral and regional level.