The White House confirmed that President Barack Obama is going on a one-week journey this October to visit selected countries in Asia. The President of the United States will be visiting Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines as part of his long term commitment to strengthen the ties between the United States and the four nations mentioned.
Beyond borders
Since Barack Obama became the President of the most powerful country in the world, he has made it a point to further strengthen the relationship of the United States with other nations such as those located in the Asia Pacific. Visiting Asia and meeting with leaders of nations have been central in President Obama’s initiative to promote political and economic growth.
This October, President Obama is going on an Asian tour which starts on the 6th of the month. The tour is expected to end on the 12th of October. According to the White House, this trip is not only a means to maintain close ties with other nations but also to reiterate the commitment that America has promised in helping the nations move forward. The President had already planted the seeds in his past visits to Asia.
The President’s itinerary
President Obama is going to kick-off his Asian tour in Bali, Indonesia to attend a meeting with Economic Leaders in the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit. He failed to attend last year’s APEC summit, which was held in Russia due to the conflicting schedule with the US presidential election. Syria might be among the topics to be discussed in the summit but many are looking forward to the possible face-off of Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Obama who are both expected to attend the APEC summit. Obama’s visit to Indonesia will also include a meeting with Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the president of Indonesia.
After his trip to Indonesia, Obama will head to Brunei to attend the US-ASEAN Summit. He is also expected to take part in the EAS (East Asia Summit). After attending the aforementioned events, the President of the United States will meet with the Sultan of Brunei. The Sultan recently visited the United States and was graciously received by Obama himself in the White House.
Malaysia is next on the list. President Obama is scheduled to have a meeting with Najib Razak, the Malaysian Prime Minister. He is also expected to convey a message in the Global Entrepreneurship Summit which he himself started in 2009 as a means to create opportunities by means of entrepreneurship.
Obama’s last stop will be in the Philippines. The US President will meet with Benigno Aquino III, President of the Philippines. They are expected to discuss issues concerning people’s welfare, economy, as well as security concerns that need to be reaffirmed diplomatically.
First visit in over half a century
President Obama’s upcoming Asian tour is quite special with the inclusion of Malaysia in the one week itinerary. Reliable sources reported that this will be the first time an American President will visit Malaysia in 50 years. President Lyndon Johnson was the last US President to visit the country in 1966.
Photo Credit: President Barack Obama
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