The senator, a Democrat, is making the trip later this week in his capacity as the outgoing chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. For security reasons, his Senate office did not disclose details of the itinerary, saying they would be released as the trip proceeds.

Joining Mr Biden will be Sen John Kerry, a Democrat and the incoming chairman of the committee. He was also party's unsuccessful presidential candidate in 2004.

A statement from Mr Biden's office Monday said the trip was a fact-finding mission. The inauguration is Jan 20. -- AP