1 Sep 2012

Clinton begins Asia-Pacific trip in Cook Islands

8:09 am on 1 September 2012

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in the Cook Islands in her first stop on a visit to the Asia-Pacific region.

Mrs Clinton flew into Rarotonga to a traditional welcome from dozens of young men and women on Thursday night.

She is attending the last day of the Pacific Islands Forum on Friday.

Mrs Clinton arrived for a breakfast meeting with regional leaders at Trader Jacks restaurant in Rarotonga in a large white bullet-proof land cruiser amid heavy security.

She will also attend the post-forum dialogue and meet New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.

The US Secretary of State's attendance comes as part of a wider trip to Indonesia, China, East Timor, Brunei, and Russia.

She will lead the US delegation to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Vladivostok on 8 and 9 September.