Prime Minister Shinzo Abe left Japan on Sunday for an eight-day official visit to the United States during which he will hold talks with President Barack Obama to reaffirm their countries' robust bilateral alliance.

One of the highlights of the visit will be his address to Congress, which will mark the first time a Japanese prime minister has spoken to a joint session of the legislature. The expected 40-minute speech will be closely watched for hints about what he will say this summer to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

During the summit, the revision of the Japan-U.S. defense cooperation guidelines, negotiations on a U.S.-led Pacific free trade initiative, and a proposed China-led development bank are likely to top the agenda, diplomatic sources and Japanese officials said.