President Barack Obama is jetsetting in the name of international diplomacy this week. During POTUS’s nine-day trip through Asia, he’ll travel to Mumbai, Amritsar and New Delhi, India; Jakarta, Indonesia; Seoul, South Korea; and Yokohama, Japan.
Sunday
On Sunday, President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama arrive in Mumbai, India with their delegation in tow.
Sunday School Visit
Sunday afternoon, President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama visited a classroom at Holy Name High School in Mumbai, India. The two then attended a Diwali Candle Lighting and Performance at the high school.
U.S. Embassy in India
Later Sunday afternoon, the president and first lady attended a meet and greet at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi before touring Humayun’s Tomb.
"60 Minutes" on Sunday
Sunday evening, President Obama spoke to Steve Kroft on “60 Minutes” about midterm election results, reaching across the aisle, and putting the breaks on the Republicans’ proposed tax break extension for the wealthy. Obama stated, “My number one priority coming into this is making sure that middle class families don’t see their tax rates go up January 1."
Monday
Monday, President Obama held meetings with many Indian government officials including Indian Prime Minister Singh, India’s Vice President Ansari, opposition leader Swaraj and Sonia Ganhi, President of India’s National Congress Party. The president let the international press in on the action when he held a joint press conference with Prime Minister Singh. Later in the evening, he met with President Patil
Gandhi On Monday in New Delhi, President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama visited Mahatma Gandhi’s mausoleum in Rajghat.
Mrs. O's Monday
On Monday, first lady Michelle Obama visited the National Handicrafts and Handloom Museum at Pragati Maidan complex.
Mrs. O Does Bollywood
First lady Michelle Obama showed that she could do the traditional Koli dance alongside Bollywood greats like Aishwarya Rai. Mrs. Obama then toured the capital's National Handicrafts and Handloom Museum with 15 schoolgirls. She stressed the importance of healthy eating to the young women, touching on important points that comprise her Let's Move! Campaign.
An Indian Endorsement
President Obama delivered a speech to the Indian parliament, in which he stated his intention to increase trade and strengthen the United States diplomatic relations with India. He also endorsed India’s bid to become a permanent member of the United Nation’s Security Council. “The United States welcomes India on the world stage,” Ben Rhodes, the deputy national security adviser for strategic communication, told reporters Monday.
Indian State Dinner
Monday evening, Indian Prime Minister Singh and his wife returned the culinary favor by holding a state dinner in honor of President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. Who can forget President Obama’s first state dinner, honoring the Indian Prime Minister, when the now-infamous Salahis infiltrated the affair.
Tuesday
Tuesday, President Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and his delegation visited Obama’s childhood home in Indonesia, the second country on the nine-day Asia tour.
A Royal Arrival
President Barack Obama shakes hands with an honor guard cadet as he arrives in Jakarta, Indonesia on Tuesday. Looking on at left is Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa.
POTUS Meets the Staff
Upon arrival to the State Palace Complex-Istana Merdeka in Jakarta, the Obamas were introduced to members of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s staff.
Official Photo
President Obama takes an official photo with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, as his wife Kristiani Herawati looks on. The American first couple is participating in a traditional Indonesian arrival ceremony in Istana Merdeka.
Presidential Perusing
Tuesday, Obama spent time in Jakarta visiting several governmental and historical locations. The president held a meeting with President Yudhoyono, and then later held expanded bilateral talks to include other officials at Merdeka palace.
Indonesian State Dinner
President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were once again honored by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at a state dinner at the Istana Negara in Jakarta on Tuesday evening.
A Posthumous Honor
At the state dinner, President Yudhoyono honored President Obama’s late mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, with an award recognizing her work in Indonesia, which he accepted on her behalf.
Wednesday
Wednesday morning, the president and first lady attended a U.S. Embassy meet and greet at the Shangri-La Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia after a visit to Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. Later Wednesday, President Obama delivered a speech at the University of Indonesia. He focused on development, democracy and bridging the cultural divide between the Muslim and Western worlds.
G-20 Summitt
Wednesday evening, President Obama will travel to Seoul, South Korea to participate in the G-20 Summit, a gathering of 20 world leaders from countries with leading economies. The leaders will discuss the global economy as it recovers from financial crisis
Last Stop: Japan
The president will travel to Japan to attend a forum on Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation just before he heads back to the United States.
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