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French President Francois Hollande arrived at the White House Tuesday to a ceremonial welcome.
President Obama and the First Lady greeted Hollande on the South Lawn for his two-day state visit to Washington.
The two leaders stood side by side for the outdoor ceremony as a military band played the national anthems for both countries.
Obama and Hollande took time to greet people who had gathered on the South Lawn before making brief remarks.
"Today on behalf of the American people and Michelle and myself, it is a great honor to welcome my friend, President Hollande and his delegation for their first state visit to the United States. In fact, the first state visit by a French president in nearly 20 years," said Obama.
President Obama invited Hollande for the state visit to highlight the long relationship between the two countries. The two leaders have worked together on responding to Iran's nuclear program, Syria's civi
