YANGON, Myanmar — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is meeting with opposition leader and Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on a historic visit to Myanmar.

The two women were having a private dinner at the home of the top-ranking U.S. diplomat in Myanmar today before a more formal meeting at Suu Kyi’s residence on Friday. It is the first time the pair — two of the world’s most recognized female political figures — have met in person, though they have spoken by telephone. Clinton has often referred to Suu Kyi as a personal inspiration.

Clinton is in Myanmar to test the long isolated and repressive country’s new civilian government on its commitment to reforms that have prompted Suu Kyi to participate in upcoming elections.