Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton shared a stage for the first time today at a State Department event honoring recipients of the International Women of Courage Award.

One year ago, Clinton was still battling Obama's husband for the Democratic presidential nomination. But today, the Secretary of State and first lady exchanged pleasantries during the event in the Benjamin Franklin Room.

"Now I know a little bit about the role that Michelle Obama is filling now," Clinton said. "I have to say that in a very short time she has, through her grace and her wisdom become an inspiration to women and girls, not only in the United States, but around the world."

Obama said she just loved calling Clinton "Secretary Clinton" -- no doubt it beats "Madame President."

"The woman who is running this department, this big huge effort, has always been such a committed person, friend, supporter, to me," Obama said. " We are honored and thrilled to have her serving in this role. She set the bar high in her last post. And I'm confident that she's going to keep setting the bar high in this post."

It was certainly the Clinton show, and she even appeared to get emotional as one of the seven women honored spoke glowingly of her record as a "woman of courage who has inspired women around the world to reach great heights."

"Your untiring efforts in championing women's rights worldwide are well-known," said Ambiga Sreenesvasan, a lawyer from Maylasia who has pushed for greater rights for women in her country.

The seven honorees were chosen from scores of recommendations from American embassies around the world.

"The women we honor here, standing on this stage today, risk their lives to fight for themselves and for their mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, and friends," Obama said. "In doing so, they create a better society not just for them, but for their fathers, sons, brothers, grandfathers, and husbands."