Michelle Obama plans to visit Mexico in April

WASHINGTON - Michelle Obama will make her first solo trip abroad as first lady next month when she visits Mexico.

A White House official said Friday the first lady will visit Mexico City April 13-15.

The focus is on education and economic advancement. The visit will build on her recent conversations with Mexico's first lady, Margarita Zavala. The pair met at the White House last month.

President Barack Obama has traveled to Mexico twice since taking office. He met Mexican President Felipe Calderon in Mexico City in April, then traveled to Guadalajara in August for a three-way summit between the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Michelle Obama has accompanied her husband on several international trips since he became president.

She and her daughters were to travel with the president to Asia next week, but canceled their plans because the trip was delayed so the president can deal with the health care debate. - AP