Michelle Obama's First Official Trip Alone

Washington, March 13, 2010 - Michelle Obama will make her first solo official trip as first lady to Mexico next month, to stress education and economic development, the White House said on Friday.

"In recognition of the deep ties between the United States and Mexico, First Lady Michelle Obama will visit Mexico City, Mexico, April 13-15, on her first solo official trip as first lady," White House spokesperson Robert Gibbs said.

"Mrs Obama's international agenda will amplify the president's commitment to advancing mutual interests, mutual respect and mutual responsibility between nations and peoples around the world."

Gibbs said the first lady would seek to engage the people of Mexico and build on a recent conversation with Mexican First Lady Margarita Zavala de Calderon on education and economic advancement.

The White House earlier announced that Michelle Obama and her daughters Malia and Sasha would not now accompany President Barack Obama on a trip to Indonesia and Australia which has been delayed by three days.

Obama is now due to leave on Sunday, March 21, to give him more time to lead the campaign to finally pass healthcare reform, an issue overshadowing his agenda and testing his political credibility.

The journey to Obama's childhood home in Indonesia had been timed to coincide with the school holidays to allow the president to show his family where he used to live.  AFP