U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will visit Japan on Feb. 16, Japanese government sources said Wednesday.
During her two-day visit, Clinton will meet with Prime Minister Taro Aso and Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone for talks on North Korea's nuclear ambitions and the abductions of Japanese nationals, as well as Afghan reconstruction and the global financial crisis, the sources said.
She may also talk with Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada.
Japan will be the first leg of a diplomatic swing through Asia that may possibly include South Korea and China. It will also be Clinton's first overseas trip since assuming office.
In mid-January, Clinton said in her Senate confirmation hearing that she embraces the alliance with Japan as a cornerstone of U.S. policy in Asia.