Laos’ expected ascension to membership of the world Trade Organization later this year was also discussed. Lao delegates thanked Clinton for her government’s support for Laos’ expected entry.
After her meeting with Sisoulith and Thammavong, Clinton toured the Cooperative Orthotics and Prosthetics (COPE) center. Here she saw the impact of UXO contamination first-hand, as the facility is used to rehabilitate those who have been maimed by UXO. The U.S. government has been active in assisting Laos to remove UXO, donating 68 million U.S. dollars since 1993.