U.S. President Obama began his weighty policy speech on the Middle East and North Africa by recognizing the work of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

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"I want to begin by thanking Hillary Clinton, who has traveled so much these last six months that she is approaching a new landmark -- 1 million frequent flyer miles," Obama said to a smattering of laughs.

On a more serious note, Obama said he counts on Clinton "every single day."

"And I believe that she will go down as one of the finest secretaries of state in our nation's history," he said.