Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Ambassadorial Nominees before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Finally, Ms. Barrett, you have a different task, as you will represent America in a country that has travelled further down the path of democracy and prosperity. Finland is a world leader in technology and innovation, and even outranks the United States in some measures of development.

But it still faces challenges in its relationship with Russia and its longstanding position outside of Euro-Atlantic security institutions. At some point soon, Finland may move toward membership in NATO. Should the Finish people and government chose to pursue that objective, I hope you will be their biggest booster.