Visiting U.S. former President Bill Clinton was overwhelmed at a forum in Hong Kong Tuesday by congratulations for former first lady Hillary Clinton, who was nominated the U.S.'s next secretary of state on Monday.

Clinton invited a number of VIP guests to the beginning session of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) globalization forum, including Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the India-based SUN Group Vice Chairman Uday Nabha Khemka.

The former president introduced Arroyo as a country leader and a college classmate "who looks 20 years younger than me," to a big applause of the audience.

Both Clinton and Arroyo were stars of Georgetown University's Class 1968.

Clinton made a quick correction when Arroyo appeared in a brisk red dress.

"Make it 30 years," he said.

Arroyo was the first to be asked questions in the panel discussion conducted by Clinton.

"First of all, congratulate you and Senator Hillary Clinton for her being nominated the next secretary of state," she said before answering the questions on current affairs.

As the discussion carried on, Yang Jiechi, the Chinese foreign minister, also joined Arroyo to congratulate the Clintons on Hillary Clinton's being nominated.

"I have already sent the congratulation message, but I think you are even closer to her," the be-spectacled diplomat said, drawing laughters from among the audience.

Khemka emerged as the third person to heap congratulations on Clinton for the nomination of Hillary Clinton and the initiative of Bill Clinton on climate change.

And Clinton carried on with the discussion after applause ebbed.

(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2008)