Japan's new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe?is set to make?his first overseas trip to three Southeast Asian countries late next week instead of visiting the United States, reports said Wednesday.

The visit to Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam was considered as Abe's intention to enhance Japan's relations with Southeast Asian countries, the Kyodo News Agency said.

Abe's U.S. trip was postponed for Obama's busy schedule as the latter will prepare for his presidential inauguration ceremony set for Jan. 21. The two countries are working on the new time for Abe 's U.S. tour.

Meanwhile, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday will leave for three Southeast Asian countries, - the Philippines, Singapore and Brunei, and Australia as his first overseas tour.

Kishida will hold talks with his counterparts during the six- day visit in order to enhance ties with the countries over maritime cooperation so as to maintain regional peace and stability, Kyodo said Tuesday.

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