WASHINGTON, March 26 -- U.S. House Speaker John Boehner announced Thursday that he has invited Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to address a joint meeting of Congress next month.

"As the United States continue to strengthen our ties with Japan, we look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Abe to the United States Capitol," Boehner said in a statement.

"His address will provide an opportunity for the American people to hear from one of our closest allies about ways we can expand our cooperation on economic and security priorities," the statement said.

Abe's address to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, slated for April 29, would be the first ever for a Japanese leader.

The White House announced Monday U.S. President Barack Obama will host Abe for an official visit to the White House on April 28.