Obama Aims to Expand Ties During Asia Trip

U.S. President Barack Obama departs Friday for a 10 day trip to Asia aimed at expanding and strengthening ties.

Mr. Obama begins his trip in India, followed by Indonesia, South Korea and Japan. While in India, the U.S. president plans to address parliament, where he is expected to mention the need to achieve final implementation of the U.S.-India civil nuclear accord.

White House officials say Mr. Obama’s visit to Indonesia will underscore the archipelago’s importance as the world’s largest Muslim majority nation and its success as a democracy.

Following his stop in Jakarta, the president heads to Seoul, South Korea, where preparations are already underway for the G-20 summit, scheduled for November 11-12. While in Seoul, Mr. Obama will hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao and meet with U.S. troops to mark the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War.

He will also discuss the G-20 and efforts for a U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak.

Mr. Obama then heads to Yokohama, Japan for an APEC summit.