November 15, 2008	Saturday	Ziqa'ad 16, 1429

NEW YORK, Nov 14: Senator Hillary Clinton assured President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday that she would work with the US Congress for early approval of a $15 billion aid package for Pakistan.

President Zardari, who telephoned the influential US senator, told her that his government was working hard for the country’s economic stability.

On Thursday, President Zardari spoke to Senator John Kerry who also assured him of his support to help Pakistan recover from the current economic crisis.

Pakistani diplomats, who briefed the media on the president’s conversation with the two senators, said Mr Zardari had assured them that Pakistan would continue to play an effective role in the fight against terrorism.

Senator Clinton appreciated Mr Zardari’s efforts for establishing democracy in Pakistan and praised the country’s role in the war against terror.

The US media reported on Friday that Senator Clinton could be the next US secretary of state. The reports said that Mrs Clinton met President-elect Barack Obama on Thursday and her appointment was also discussed in the meeting.

If chosen, she will replace Condoleezza Rice, the first African-American woman to head the US Department of State.

As secretary of state Mrs Clinton can play an effective role in strengthening US-Pakistan relations, particularly in the approval of a 10-year, $15 billion aid package already moved in the US Senate.

Mr Obama hinted broadly during the primaries that he would reach out to political rivals and even Republicans to fill his cabinet.

“I think that part of what I want to do as president is push Americans a little bit outside of their comfort zone. It’s a remarkable study in leadership,” Mr Obama said.