приветствовать (кого-то) как давно потерянного друга
Whenever she visits, they greet her like a long-lost friend.
Когда она приезжает, её приветствуют как давно потерянного друга.
Definitions
To welcome or acknowledge someone with great warmth, enthusiasm, and familiarity, as if you have not seen them for a very long time and are overjoyed by their presence, regardless of your actual relationship or how long it has been since you last met.
