Disir
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- Sep 30, 2011
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When Barack Obama travelled to Cuba, he was the first U.S president in almost 90 years to set foot in the landlocked nation. His arrival was said to be, “a historic visit“. And given the enormous community of Cuban-Americans in the U.S, it was evident that the tour had attracted a lot more attention than Obama’s upcoming trip to Laos, another communist country. However, in the current geopolitical climate, the upcoming Laos visit represents a highly strategic move.
For three days in early September, Obama will take part in the U.S-ASEAN and East Asia summits in the capital city of Vientiane. In the context of this programme he will have a bilateral meeting with Laos President, Bounnhang Vorachith, and attend a town hall session with young leaders.
On the surface, a visit to a country with only six million people earning on average just over $1,000 per year seems minor. However, Laos now has a pivotal role in relations between China, the U.S and the rest of Southeast Asia. And in this climate, Beijing is working hard to expand its influence.
Obama in Laos: can he win six million hearts to trump Beijing? – ASEAN Today
A little more:
President's Newsletter | US-ASEAN Business Council
And the Official website:
ASEAN Business & Investment Submit 2016
Competition?
For three days in early September, Obama will take part in the U.S-ASEAN and East Asia summits in the capital city of Vientiane. In the context of this programme he will have a bilateral meeting with Laos President, Bounnhang Vorachith, and attend a town hall session with young leaders.
On the surface, a visit to a country with only six million people earning on average just over $1,000 per year seems minor. However, Laos now has a pivotal role in relations between China, the U.S and the rest of Southeast Asia. And in this climate, Beijing is working hard to expand its influence.
Obama in Laos: can he win six million hearts to trump Beijing? – ASEAN Today
A little more:
President's Newsletter | US-ASEAN Business Council
And the Official website:
ASEAN Business & Investment Submit 2016
Competition?
