BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — President Barack Obama has arrived in Argentina for the first state visit by a U.S. president since 1997.

Obama landed on Air Force One after midnight Wednesday in Buenos Aires. He will be welcomed later Wednesday morning by President Mauricio Macri at Casa Rosada, the historic, pink presidential offices. He'll meet with Macri and the two will take questions from reporters.

Obama also plans to hold a town hall meeting with young Argentinians and will be feted at a state dinner.

Obama and his family will travel Thursday to the picturesque city of Bariloche before returning to Washington.

Obama is eager to show that the U.S. and Argentina are on better footing now that Macri is in office. His predecessor frequently lashed out at the U.S.