Washington, December 10, SPA -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her nominated successor, Hillary Clinton, discussed the challenges of U.S. foreign policy over dinner, the State Department said Tuesday. The two shared a two-hour dinner Monday night at Rice’s home in Washington. “They talked just very generally about policy, the challenges, the opportunities, talked a little bit about the job of secretary of state,” spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters. McCormack said no follow-up meeting between Rice and Clinton had been scheduled, but he said the two would meet again because “they have a good, easy relationship.” Rice, who leaves her job when President George W. Bush steps down on January 20, predicted Sunday that Clinton, who must be confirmed by the Senate, will “do a great job” as her successor. On Monday, Clinton visited the State Department building for the first time since President-elect Barack Obama named her as his selection for secretary of state. She visited the transition offices and held some briefings. The State Department has assigned 24 staff members to work full-time with the Obama team, and Rice has pledged to ensure a “smooth transition” of power to the Obama administration.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/615373