Britain's foreign secretary says he will visit Burma in early January, following a landmark trip to that Southeast Asian nation by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

William Hague made the announcement Monday during a news conference with Clinton in Washington. He said Britain welcomes Clinton's visit, adding that the two countries share a common objective for constructive engagement with Burma.

Hague said both nations want to see political freedom in Burma, and that any actions that help to further that goal are important.

Clinton traveled to Burma two weeks ago, becoming the first U.S. secretary of state to visit the country in 50 years.

During her trip, Secretary Clinton said any step Burma takes toward political reform will be carefully considered.