Along the red carpet, two rows of honor guards in splendid uniforms stood on either side.
The young men stood ramrod straight, holding rifles fitted with bayonets in both hands!
The gleaming blades flashed with a cold light under the sun...
At the top of the steps, a group of people was already waiting.
No need to ask—they had to be led by Kuchma.
As car doors slammed shut in succession, Wang Ye and his entourage got out.
Led by Alexander, Wang Ye quickly ascended the steps and came before Kuchma.
Kuchma, nearly seventy, was short and stout, with a large nose, a balding head, and a ruddy complexion. He wore a dark suit.
Perhaps because he was welcoming Wang Ye, he had even specially put on a bright red tie!
They shook hands and embraced warmly. Still holding hands, they faced the foot of the steps and "posed" for a while so the media reporters could take photographs.
These pictures were all going to make the news and newspapers!
Then Kuchma delivered a welcoming speech...
After going through the entire ceremony, everyone began walking into the hall.
By the time everyone was formally seated in the large conference room, the muscles in Wang Ye's face were nearly sore from smiling.
It couldn't be helped. Official visits involved all kinds of tedious protocol, and as the delegation leader, he could not skip a single part of it!
It was easier for accompanying personnel. Since nobody paid attention to them, they could slack off a little.
A huge oval conference table stood in the middle, decorated with low flower arrangements and national flags.
The two sides sat opposite each other. Wang Ye and Kuchma faced one another at the center of their respective sides, occupying the legendary "C seats."
Since