President Obama welcomed Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete as the first African head of state to visit him at the White House May 21. The leaders enjoyed "a valuable discussion on a range of issues," the White House announced.

President Obama, a White House press release notes, expressed his appreciation for the close bilateral relationship the United States shares with Tanzania.

Additionally, President Kikwete and the president, according to the release, exchanged views on approaches to enhancing the U.S.-Tanzanian partnership, improving development policy in the fields of health, education and agriculture, and working with other partners in the region to solve some of the most pressing conflicts on the African continent.

President Obama and President Kikwete also expressed a desire to work together to solve common problems in the future.