Dubai: Few people know that Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari is a great charmer. But many an eyebrow was raised when he met Republican vice-presidential nominee Sara Palin at the United Nations.

A CNN report showed that during the "grip and grin" photo opportunity between Palin and Zardari, he could not conceal his emotions.

When Zardari entered the meeting room, Palin rose to shake his hand, saying she was "honoured" to meet him.

Zardari called her "gorgeous" and said: "Now I know why the whole of America is crazy about you."

"If he insists, I might hug her," Zardari said when a handler of the meeting asked the politicians to keep shaking hands for the camera. Palin smiled politely.