Take A Look At Obama's Historic Visit To Laos

He became the first sitting president to visit the country.
President Barack Obama visits the Wat Xieng Thong Buddhist temple.
President Barack Obama visits the Wat Xieng Thong Buddhist temple.
Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

President Barack Obama became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the country of Laos this week. While there, he attempted to make amends for the blood shed during the Vietnam War and offered a glimpse into what his life may look like after he leaves the White House.

The United States dropped more than 2 million tons of bombs on Laos in the 1970s, making it the most heavily bombed country per capita in human history.

Obama announced his plan to double the amount of aid the U.S. gives to Laos to $30 million per year for three years.

After reiterating his commitment to moving forward with the Trans-Pacific Partnership, he pivoted to his own post-presidential future.

“In my own work as an ex-president, I’m hoping to continue working with young people through my presidential center,” Obama said during a Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative town hall in Luang Prabang. “My wife, I think, will continue to work on nutrition issues, but you know, she’s going to probably be more involved internationally as well as domestically more than she has been, now that our girls are getting older.”

SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
US President Barack Obama drinks from a coconut as he makes a surprise stop for a drink alonside the Mekong River in Luang Prabang.
SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
Obama tours the Wat Xieng Thong Buddhist Temple.
SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
Obama greets monks as he tours the Wat Xieng Thong Buddhist Temple.
SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
Obama tours the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise visitor center in Vientiane.
SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
Obama leaves the Wat Xieng Thong Buddhist Temple.
SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
Obama receives flowers after arriving on Air Force One in Luang Prabang.
YE AUNG THU via Getty Images
Obama attends the gala dinner during the second day of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Vientiane.
SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
Obama bows as he arrives to hold a YSEALI town hall meeting at Souphanouvong University Auditorium in Luang Prabang.
Jonathan Ernst / Reuters
Attendees take selfies as Obama departs.
Jonathan Ernst / Reuters
Obama turns to bow as he boards Air Force One after a day trip to Luang Prabang.
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