The United States congratulates Joyce Banda on becoming the new president of Malawi and looks forward to continued partnership with the government and people of Malawi, the U.S. State Department said. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke with Banda, on Monday, said the announcement from department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland, made late yesterday They discussed the importance of adhering to rule of law, and to working across parties as the government of Malawi moves forward, Nuland said. \"We congratulate Malawi for ensuring that the transfer of power was both peaceful and reflected the letter and spirit of their constitution,\" Nuland said. \"The people of Malawi have demonstrated once again their commitment to democratic values as the foundation of the rule of law. We also extend our condolences to the family of former President Mutharika on his passing.\"