The president's visit was mainly a symbolic gesture.
symbolic
/sim-ˈbä-lik/
adjective
using, employing, or exhibiting a symbol
consisting of or proceeding by means of symbols
of, relating to, or constituting a symbol
noun
a science of developing and representing logical principles by means of a formalized system consisting of primitive symbols, combinations of these symbols, axioms, and rules of inference
noun
an act that has no purpose or effect other than to show support, respect, etc.