Apple confirmed Tuesday that it’s on track to release the iPad 2 in 25 more countries this Friday, at 5 P.M. local time. Apple also confirmed plans to release the iPad 2 in Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and other countries in April.

[ad#Google Adsense 300×250 in story]The iPad 2 has been in short supply in the U.S. since its release a week and a half ago – an issue acknowledged by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. “We’re experiencing amazing demand for iPad 2 in the US, and customers around the world have told us they can’t wait to get their hands on it. We appreciate everyone’s patience and we are working hard to build enough iPads for everyone,” said Jobs in a statement.

The iPad 2 goes on sale Friday in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

The confirmation puts a hole in rumors suggesting that Apple was pulling iPad 2s from international distribution in one or more countries due to inventory shortages. Apple did indicate, however, that it was indefinitely suspending its release of iPad 2 in Japan due to the country’s recent earthquake and tsunami disasters.

The device is available for sale at 5 P.M local time for each local Apple retail store; it will also be available to order through the Apple online store. The 5 P.M. time delay mirrors what Apple did in the United States for the iPad 2′ launch.