Ruto’s Japan Tour Sparks Debate: State Visit or Official Visit?
The nature of President William Ruto’s trip to Japan has sparked inquiries, as conflicting statements from both countries have created uncertainty about whether it is a State visit or an official visit.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed announced on February 5, 2024, that Deputy President Ruto is scheduled to undertake a State visit to Japan starting from January 6. The purpose of the visit is to enhance and revive the diplomatic ties between Kenya and Japan.
Mohammed also pointed out that Ruto’s trip represents the initial official visit by a Kenyan president to the Asian country since the late President Mwai Kibaki’s visit over two decades ago.
Yet, according to a declaration released on January 26, 2024, by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was stated that Ruto is scheduled to undertake an official trip to Japan.
This consequently led to inquiries regarding the distinction between a State visit and an official visit.
State Visit.
A state visit involves a prominent trip undertaken by a head of state to another nation.
State visits, regarded as the most elevated form of diplomatic interaction and the fostering of bilateral relations between two independent nations, are exclusively reserved for heads of state.
Upon reaching the host country, the visiting Head of State receives a warm welcome from the president and is subsequently treated to a state reception. This reception involves the inspection of a guard of honor, the rendition of both nations’ national anthems, and the firing of gun salutes.
The visits also involve touring the prominent landmarks of the host country and participating in dignified ceremonies, such as placing a wreath at a military shrine or cemetery.
Typically, when a head of state visits, they are accompanied by their key government representatives, often including the foreign minister.
On Monday, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, accompanied by other officials, arrived in Tokyo in preparation for Ruto’s scheduled visit on Tuesday.
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One illustration of a state visit occurred when the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, along with his spouse, Agata Kornhauser, traveled to Kenya on a Sunday for a two-day official visit.
President Ruto and First Lady Rachael Ruto formally received Duda at State House, where he was greeted with a 21-gun salute and conducted a thorough inspection of a military guard of honor.
After the presidents signed bilateral documents, they proceeded to address the media in a subsequent ceremony.
President Ruto and the First Lady later organized an official luncheon, and President Duda also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Monument in Uhuru Gardens Park.
Official visit.
A formal state visit involves the presence of either the Head of State or government representatives from a country.
These visits are characterized by a lack of formalities, with minimal importance placed on incorporating extravagant displays or vibrant elements. They are commonly referred to as official working visits.
Ruto’s Japan Tour Sparks Debate: State Visit or Official Visit?
