New York, March 12 : U. S. First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton dissolved the unpleasantness between them in a hearty round of hugs and air kisses at a high-profile State Department ceremony on Wednesday.

Party insiders recently revealed that Michelle and Hillary could not abide each other.

However, the two of them showered each other with praises during Wednesday's event.

While Hillary praised Michelle's "grace and her wisdom", the latter called her "such a committed person, friend, supporter to me."

As Michelle swept into State''s ornate Benjamin Franklin Room, America''s top diplomat greeted her "very special guest" to honour International Women''s Day.

They presented awards to eight women who advanced human rights around the world, including Wazma Frogh of Afghanistan, who has battled domestic violence and child rape in her country.

"Communities are only as strong as the health of their women. The difference between a strong family and a healthy family is often the presence of a strong woman," the New York Daily News quoted Michelle as reminding her audience of about 200 diplomats and guests. (ANI)