U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will travel to the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Myanmar starting on Nov. 30, the State Department said on Wednesday.

While in Busan, ROK on Nov. 30, the top U.S. envoy will attend the Fourth High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness. "Secretary Clinton's participation reflects the United States' strong political commitment to development as key pillar of global security, prosperity, and democratic progress," department spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement.

He said the meeting offers "a landmark opportunity" for world leaders to take stock of recent changes in the development landscape and chart a new course for global cooperation, noting that Clinton's visit also "underscores the breadth and depth of the U.S.-ROK partnership."

Toner hailed as a "historic trip" Clinton's upcoming travel to Nay Pyi Taw and Rangoon from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, as it marks the first visit to Myanmar by a U.S. secretary of state in over 50 years.

"Secretary Clinton will underscore the U.S. commitment to a policy of principled engagement and direct dialogue as part of our dual-track approach," the spokesman said, noting she will " register support for reforms that we have witnessed in recent months and discuss further reforms in key areas, as well as steps the U.S. can take to reinforce progress."

In addition, Clinton will consult with "a broad and diverse group" of civil society and ethnic minority leaders to have their perspectives on developments in the country, Toner added.

Citing "flickers of progress" in Myanmar, U.S. President Barack Obama announced last week that he would send Clinton to the Southeast Asian nation.

The new government in Myanmar, which took office on March 30, has been pushing for political and economic reforms in the country, including the release of political prisoners. The moves won Myanmar last week chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations in 2014 despite warnings from the United States.

Clinton has called on Myanmar to release all political prisoners, seek ways to resolve ethnic conflicts, and put in place "a real electoral system with an open door to political parties and free expression."

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet