Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani have congratulated US President Barack Obama on assuming office and expressed the hope that relations between the two countries will gain strength under his "inspiring" leadership.
In separate messages, Zardari and Gilani said they hoped that Pakistan-US relations, friendship and mutual cooperation will gain strength in the years ahead under Obama's "inspiring leadership".
Gilani said: "Under your stewardship, the US will undoubtedly lead the way in overcoming the challenges that confront humanity by a renewal of faith and commitment to shared ideals and values."
He said bilateral ties are based on an "enduring foundation of commitment to high ideals and a common vision for a better future for the people of the world".