Islamabad, Jan. 23 : New US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had a brief telephonic conversation with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari over bilateral ties and the regional situation on Thursday.

Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar informed that Zardari had congratulated Clinton on taking office and President Barack Obama's inauguration during their conversation, the Daily Times reports.

Zardari said he was inspirated by the American President's emphasis on seeking a new way forward with the Muslim world based on mutual respect and mutual interest, which had raised the hopes of many. (ANI)