ISLAMABAD, Jan 20: President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani felicitated Barack H. Obama after he was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States on Tuesday.

Congratulating Mr Obama, Mr Gilani said: “We are confident that under your … stewardship, the US will …lead the way in overcoming the challenges that confront humanity by a renewal of faith and commitment to shared ideals and values.”

He said Pakistan-US relations were based on “commitment to high ideals and a common vision for a better future for the people of the world ... We are confident that friendship between our people and our mutual cooperation will continue to gain in strength ... I wish you, Mr President and your family every happiness and great success.”